Development of a Solid Waste Management Model for Sustainable Well-being through Youth Network Participation in Maha Sarakham Province: a Case Study of Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aimed to develop a sustainable solid waste management model through the participation of youth networks in Maha Sarakham Province, using Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University as a case study. The study was conducted in three phases: (1) assessment of the situation and factors associated with solid waste management behaviors; (2) development of a sustainable solid waste management model through youth network participation; and (3) evaluation of the developed model. The participants included first- and second-year students and members of the primary care network, comprising student leaders and members of the primary care board, with a total of 1,249 participants. Research instruments included questionnaires, in-depth interview guides, evaluation forms, observation records, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and content analysis. The results showed that the participants had moderate levels of knowledge, awareness, literacy, participation, and solid waste management behaviors, and there was a lack of participation and integration among network partners. Factors significantly associated with solid waste management behaviors included grade point average of 2.50 or higher (ORadj = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.06-3.30), high awareness (ORadj = 4.51; 95%CI = 3.03–6.73), high participation (ORadj = 1.63; 95%CI = 1.01–2.63), and high waste management literacy (ORadj = 3.98; 95%CI = 2.19–7.24). The developed model was the RMU–WELL Model. After implementation, the mean scores for knowledge increased by 1.48 points (95%CI = 1.11–2.85), awareness by 1.45 points (95%CI = 1.30–1.60), literacy by 1.44 points (95%CI = 1.29–1.59), participation by 2.67 points (95%CI = 2.52–2.82), and solid waste management behaviors by 1.35 points (95%CI = 1.24–1.46), all with statistical significance (p<0.05). In addition, the amount of solid waste decreased by 1.55%, and the per capita solid waste generation rate decreased from 0.94 to 0.74 kilograms per person per day. These findings reflect the effectiveness of the model in practice, resulting in system-level outcomes, including reduction of waste at the source,establishment of youth network role models, strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, and the development of innovations supporting solid waste management. The RMU–WELL Model is therefore effective and has the potential for scaling up to enhance sustainable solid waste management and health promotion in educational institutions and communities.