Predictors of recycling behavior: a survey-based study in the city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Purpose – Sharjah is the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) third largest city and third highest waste producer (9.9% of ~26 million in 2012). A total of about ~$1bn has been invested into programs pursuing zero-landfill waste by 100% recycling. Besides infrastructure, assessing knowledge, attitudes a...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University
2022-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Health Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JHR-09-2020-0431/full/pdf?title=predictors-of-recycling-behavior-a-survey-based-study-in-the-city-of-sharjah-united-arab-emirates |
| Summary: | Purpose – Sharjah is the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) third largest city and third highest waste producer (9.9% of ~26 million in 2012). A total of about ~$1bn has been invested into programs pursuing zero-landfill waste by 100% recycling. Besides infrastructure, assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) are needed for effective waste management. The purpose of this study is to examine recycling KAP in Sharjah. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional study, using pilot-tested questionnaires, was conducted among public venues during March and April 2016. A total of 400 residents (18–55 years) were selected via convenience sampling. SPSS-22 was used for analysis. Findings – Mean age [28 years (±9.4)] with 56.5% females. Knowledge level [51.8% (±18.1)]; students reported the highest (53.7%, p = 0.007, 95% CI [51.4–56.1]). 22.9% knew recycling benefits, 31.2% knew how to correctly prepare items. Attitude level 92.6% (±16.5); 51.1% and 46.8% would recycle more with a financial reward or penalty, respectively. 70.4% reported practicing recycling; 16.0% always recycle. Logistic regression model indicated knowledge (OR = 1.013, 95% CI [1.001–1.025]) and attitude (OR = 1.014, 95% CI [1.001–1.028]) as the only significant predictors of recycling practice. Originality/value – This is the first study measuring recycling KAP in the UAE. Results could be starting points for improved local waste management and subsequently reduced public health concerns. |
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| ISSN: | 0857-4421 2586-940X |