Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Waste Management Among Secondary School Students in Baiji District: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sabah Ramadhan Hasan, Nazar Ahmed Mahmood

Abstract

Improper waste management poses a threat to students' health, particularly in educational environments that do not adhere to safe waste management practices. This study aimed to assess secondary school students' knowledge and attitudes toward waste management in Baiji District. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among secondary school students in Baiji District. The research was carried out over five months, with data collection taking place from November 1, 2025, to March 30, 2026. The total sample size was 427. Data collection relied on a single, self-administered, structured questionnaire designed specifically for this assessment. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods (Independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation) were used for data analysis. Regarding level of knowledge, 263 (61.6%) had a low level of knowledge, 150 (35.1%) had a moderate level, and only 14 (3.3%) had a high level of knowledge. Regarding the study participants' attitudes, 305 (71.4%) have positive attitudes, and 122 (28.6%) have neutral attitudes. While statistically significant differences were observed in grade level, a significant correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.098, P = 0.044). At schools in Baiji, the percentage of students with low knowledge of waste management is relatively high. This requires developing targeted training and awareness programs on proper waste handling provided by educational institutions for this and similar groups to maintain a healthy school environment.

Keywords

Attitudes; Baiji District; Knowledge; Waste management.

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25157/jkg.v8i2.24993

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