Knowledge, Attitude and Performance (KAP) of People regarding Microplastics as a New Health Problem in Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of people towards Microplastics (MPs). Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 500 residences in Kerman city, southeast Iran, in 2023 through a questionnaire that was designed and validated by the authors. Results: More respondents were female (65%), 18–30 years old (43%), undergraduate (48%), and students (35%), and 63% of respondents sorted garbage. Respondents had good knowledge towards general information, but not towards expert information. The highest percentage of respondents with correct answers to the knowledge questions (80%) had the knowledge about environmental pollution to MPs, causing diseases in humans. The maximum percentage of respondents agreed to the attitude questions (57%) agreed with the point that food sellers should recommend cloth bags to shoppers instead of plastic bag, and 60% of them would like to know more about MPs. In terms of practice, 41% of the respondents stated that they usually leave plastic waste in the environment. Conclusion: The current study showed that there is limited information about MPs in books and among the public. Education and offering free reusable bags were considered as the effective policies to reduce MPs pollution. Also, less environmental awareness and poor management were considered as challenges to reduce emission of MPs.

Keywords

• microplastics
• environmental pollution
• public health
• kerman city