Factors Associated with Waste Management Behaviors among Pongpa Village, Kaeng Sopha Sub-district, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with waste management behaviors in order to solve the area-based problems. It was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study samples were volunteers purposively recruited from 121 households, 20-60 year olds, in Pong Pa Vil-lage, Kaeng Sopha sub-district, Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok province. A set of questionnaires was used to collect data on waste management behaviors, knowledge and awareness in waste management of people. The association of the variables was analyzed by using Chi-square. It was found that although most volunteers had high knowledge (60.83%) and awareness (90.08%) in waste management, the behaviors of waste management were at moderate level (67.77%). Furthermore, there was a significant association of knowledge and awareness with waste management behaviors (p<0.05). Therefore, reponsible units should provide more knowledge on waste sorting which was at low level, and should support the provision of public segregation trash cans to replace the common practice of garbage burning in the rural areas. Most importantly, people should be encouraged to be aware of the importance of waste separation and correct disposal. The outcomes of this research could be applied to others communities to design efficient waste management solution in the future.