A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Knowledge and Reported Practices regarding Domestic Waste Management among women in selected rural areas of Ernakulam District, Kerala
Lincy Issac1, Annmol Rose Byju2, Ansa Sara Paul2, Ansula Mary M.P2
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church College of Nursing, Kolenchery, Affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur.
2Fourth Year B.Sc Nursing Students, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church College of Nursing, Kolenchery, Affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: lincyissaclik@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Women play a pivotal role in the management of household waste, thus impacting environmental sustainability and public health. A community based cross- sectional study was conducted among 68 women at Aikaranadu Grama Panchayat in Ernakulam District, Kerala, to assess their knowledge and gather the practices of domestic waste management. Samples were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using socio-demographic questionnaire, self-structured knowledge questionnaire, and a self-reported practice checklist. Analysis was done with R and SPSS software. The mean and SD of knowledge score was found to be in the range of 11.44±2.17, with 62% of this group showing average knowledge, 32% good while 6% exhibiting poor knowledge. All participants reported good practices (mean score 48.4±0.7). No significant correlation (ρ = 0.134, p = 0.278) existed between knowledge and practices. Their knowledge was observed to be associated with the education, family type, socioeconomic status, and religion (p<0.278). Despite good practices, suboptimal knowledge highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance sustainable waste management.
KEYWORDS: Domestic waste management, Knowledge, Practices, Rural women, Ernakulam, Kerala.
INTRODUCTION:
Domestic waste, including paper, food scraps, plastics, metals, and glass, is generated daily from household activities. In India, approximately 115,000 metric tons of domestic waste are produced daily, with Kerala contributing 11,449 tons (February 2018)1. Improper waste management leads to environmental pollution, clogged drains, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue2. Women, as primary household caretakers, play a critical role in waste management, influencing hygiene and environmental quality. However, limited awareness often results in suboptimal practices, particularly in rural areas3. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and reported practices of domestic waste management among women in Aikaranadu Grama Panchayat, Ernakulam District, Kerala, and to explore correlations with socio-demographic variables. The objectives were to estimate knowledge and practice levels and determine their associations with demographic factors.
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 household women in Aikaranadu Grama Panchayat, Ernakulam District, selected through convenience sampling. The criteria for their selection are : direct involvement in waste management and a single representation per each household. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using three tools: a socio-demographic questionnaire, a 20-item self-structured knowledge questionnaire (maximum score: 80; poor: 0–20, average: 21–40, good: 41–60, excellent: 61–80), and a 15-item self-reported practice checklist (maximum score: 60; poor: 0–30, good: 31–60). Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical Mission Hospital, and written informed consent was secured. Content validity was established by three experts, and reliability was confirmed (Cronbach’s alpha, r = 0.78). A pilot study with 30 participants in November 2022 ensured feasibility. Data were coded in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS and R software, employing descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation test (p<0.05).
Among the 68 participants, 33.8% had education below plus two, 51.5% were Christian, 61.8% lived in nuclear families, and 97.1% reported monthly incomes above ₹16,000. Knowledge was primarily sourced from family (44.1%) and mass media (30%). The mean knowledge score was 11.44±2.17, with 62% demonstrating average knowledge, 32% good, 6% poor, and none excellent (Table 1). The mean practice score was 48.4±0.7, with all participants reporting good practices (Table 2). Spearman’s correlation showed non-significant relationship between knowledge and practices (ρ = 0.134, p=0.278). Knowledge was significantly associated with education, family type, socioeconomic status, and religion (p<0.278).
Table 1: Frequency, Percentage, Mean, and Standard Deviation of Knowledge Scores (n=68)
|
Knowledge Level |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Mean±SD |
|
Poor (0–20) |
4 |
6% |
11.44±2.17 |
|
Average (21–40) |
42 |
62% |
|
|
Good (41–60) |
22 |
32% |
|
|
Excellent (61–80) |
0 |
0% |
Table 2: Frequency, Percentage, Mean, and Standard Deviation of Reported Practice Scores (n=68)
|
Practice Level |
Frequency |
Percentage |
Mean ± SD |
|
Poor (0–30) |
0 |
0% |
|
|
Good (31–60) |
68 |
100% |
48.4 ± 0.7 |
This community-based cross-sectional study facilitated in assessing the knowledge base and documenting the practices involved in the domestic waste management among 68 women in Aikaranadu Grama Panchayat, Ernakulam District, Kerala. All participants demonstrated good practices (mean score 48.4±0.7), yet knowledge was predominantly average (62%, mean score 11.44±2.17) while 6% falling under poor knowledge category and none possessing excellent knowledge. This suggests that practices may be driven by routine, community initiatives (e.g., Haritha Karma Sena), or external support rather than comprehensive understanding. No correlation was found between knowledge and practices (ρ=0.134, p=0.278), consistent with a Nepalese study where good practices coexisted with low knowledge11. Knowledge was significantly associated with education, nuclear family structure, socioeconomic status, and religion (p<0.278), aligning with findings in Puducherry and Mehsana8,9. The universal good practices do likely reflect the local waste management initiatives, but suboptimal knowledge highlights the need for educational programs on waste segregation, composting, and health impacts. Limitations in this study observations are the sampling confinement to Aikaranadu Panchayat, potential bias from convenience sampling, and reliance on self-reported practices, which may overestimate actual behaviors. Future research should employ random sampling, explore diverse geographic areas, and conduct interventional studies to enhance generalizability and evaluate educational impacts.
CONCLUSION:
Women in Aikaranadu Grama Panchayat demonstrate good domestic waste management practices, yet their knowledge is suboptimal, with 62% exhibiting average and 6% showing poor knowledge. Bridging this knowledge gap is essential for promoting sustainable waste reduction and enhancing environmental and public health outcomes. To achieve this, studies should be conducted across diverse geographic areas to improve generalizability and explore regional variations in waste management practices. Interventional studies are recommended to assess the impact of educational programs on enhancing knowledge and sustaining effective practices. Community health nurses should be engaged in awareness campaigns focusing on waste segregation, composting, and health implications. Additionally, community-based workshops should be developed to reinforce knowledge and encourage proactive waste reduction strategies among rural women. Collaboration with local governance bodies, such as Haritha Karma Sena, is advised to integrate educational initiatives into existing waste management frameworks.
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Received on 28.06.2025 Revised on 16.07.2025 Accepted on 31.07.2025 Published on 18.08.2025 Available online from August 27, 2025 A and V Pub J. of Nursing and Medical Res. 2025;4(3):95-97. DOI: 10.52711/jnmr.2025.23 ©A and V Publications All right reserved
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