IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i17p7396-d1465470.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Single-Use Plastic Bags in the United Arab Emirates

Author

Listed:
  • Shahad M. Alteneiji

    (Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Betty T. Mathew

    (Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Hafsa A. Mohammed

    (Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Abdelghafar M. Abu-Elsaoud

    (Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt)

  • Khaled A. El-Tarabily

    (Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Seham M. Al Raish

    (Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Due to their widespread misuse and inadequate waste management, single-use plastic bags represent the global plastic pollution crisis and ecosystem degradation. Comprehensive research on population knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding single-use plastic bags is lacking in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to fill this gap by assessing the KAP levels among the UAE population and determining the relationships between these variables. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire from previous studies was used in a cross-sectional study, and the questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms. The UAE University Research Ethics Committee approved the study (ERSC_2024_4377). Non-probability sampling and G*power statistical analysis version 3.1.9.6 determined 385 UAE residents aged 18 years and older. The findings were verified through face-to-face interviews and Cronbach’s alpha tests. KAP variable associations were assessed using Chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and a structural equation model with SPSS version 29.0. This test was chosen for robust categorical and continuous data. The study included 84.7% female, and 15.3% male participants aged 18 to 65 years, primarily aged 18 to 25 years, with most holding bachelor’s degrees (47.6%), and were students (51.4%), employed (33.1%), or unemployed (12.2%). The results indicated a favourable inclination towards sustainability, with mean ± standard deviation (SD) for seven knowledge questions (3.89 ± 0.7), seven attitude questions (3.99 ± 0.7), and five practice questions (3.42 ± 0.8) exceeding the midpoint. The correlation test showed that total knowledge was positively correlated with practice (r = 0.399; p < 0.001) indicating the increasing knowledge regarding single-use plastic bags associated with increasing sustainable practices and attitudes (r = 0.648; p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between the total attitude and practice (r = 0.487; p < 0.001). The findings suggest targeted educational and policy interventions to promote sustainable behaviour.

Suggested Citation

  • Shahad M. Alteneiji & Betty T. Mathew & Hafsa A. Mohammed & Abdelghafar M. Abu-Elsaoud & Khaled A. El-Tarabily & Seham M. Al Raish, 2024. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Single-Use Plastic Bags in the United Arab Emirates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-28, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7396-:d:1465470
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/17/7396/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/17/7396/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rahaf Ajaj & Suzan Shahin & Haruna Moda & Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali, 2023. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Face Mask Use among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Rainisio, Nicola & Boffi, Marco & Pola, Linda & Inghilleri, Paolo & Sergi, Ilaria & Liberatori, Maura, 2022. "The role of gender and self-efficacy in domestic energy saving behaviors: A case study in Lombardy, Italy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    3. Wisam Abu Jadayil & Mohamed Rafik Noor Mohamed Qureshi & Rahaf Ajaj & Eman Aqil & Ghada Shawahin & Hamna Anver & Safa Aljeawi, 2022. "An Empirical Investigation on Plastic Waste Issues and Plastic Disposal Strategies to Protect the Environment: A UAE Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-22, December.
    4. Joana C. Prata & Ana L. Patrício Silva & João P. da Costa & Catherine Mouneyrac & Tony R. Walker & Armando C. Duarte & Teresa Rocha-Santos, 2019. "Solutions and Integrated Strategies for the Control and Mitigation of Plastic and Microplastic Pollution," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-19, July.
    5. Nur Baizura Aini Abdullah & Nor Azwany Yaacob & Razan Ab Samat & Ahmad Filza Ismail, 2022. "Knowledge, Readiness and Barriers of Street Food Hawkers to Support the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Program in Northeast Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-15, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Thi Thanh Thuy Phan & Van Viet Nguyen & Hong Thi Thu Nguyen & Chun-Hung Lee, 2022. "Integrating Citizens’ Importance-Performance Aspects into Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Danang, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Ying Li & Ruyan Zhao & Haonan Li & Wenting Song & Haoxiang Chen, 2023. "Feasibility Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration for Harmless Treatment of Potentially Virulent Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-21, October.
    3. Pongsiri Julapong & Jiraphon Ekasin & Pattaranun Katethol & Palot Srichonphaisarn & Onchanok Juntarasakul & Apisit Numprasanthai & Carlito Baltazar Tabelin & Theerayut Phengsaart, 2022. "Agglomeration–Flotation of Microplastics Using Kerosene as Bridging Liquid for Particle Size Enlargement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-8, November.
    4. Xinyuan Zhang & Emmanuel Nketiah & Victor Shi & Jinfu Cheng, 2023. "Who Will Save Energy? An Extension of Social Cognitive Theory with Place Attachment to Understand Residents’ Energy-Saving Behaviors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-21, December.
    5. Sun, Mengyuan & Chen, Wen & Lapen, David R. & Ma, Bin & Lu, Peina & Liu, Jinghui, 2023. "Effects of ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching combining with various urea types on water productivity and yield of potato in a dryland farming system," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    6. Yunisa Zahrah & Jeongsoo Yu & Xiaoyue Liu, 2024. "How Indonesia’s Cities Are Grappling with Plastic Waste: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Plastic Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-32, May.
    7. Jay N. Meegoda & Mala C. Hettiarachchi, 2023. "A Path to a Reduction in Micro and Nanoplastics Pollution," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-13, April.
    8. Alettin Irmak & Nurlan Kurmanov & Onaikhan Zhadigerova & Zukhra Turdiyeva & Aigul Bakirbekova & Gaukhar Saimagambetova & Assilbek Baidakov & Aigul Mukhamejanova & Madina Tolysbayeva & Sagyngali Seitzh, 2023. "Shaping Energy-Saving Behavior in Education System: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(4), pages 46-60, July.
    9. Florentios Economou & Irene Voukkali & Iliana Papamichael & Valentina Phinikettou & Pantelitsa Loizia & Vincenzo Naddeo & Paolo Sospiro & Marco Ciro Liscio & Christos Zoumides & Diana Mihaela Țîrcă & , 2024. "Turning Food Loss and Food Waste into Watts: A Review of Food Waste as an Energy Source," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-30, June.
    10. Linda Mederake & Doris Knoblauch, 2019. "Shaping EU Plastic Policies: The Role of Public Health vs. Environmental Arguments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-18, October.
    11. Rahaf Ajaj & Suzan Shahin & Haruna Moda & Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali, 2023. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Face Mask Use among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-13, February.
    12. Jolanta Dąbrowska & Marcin Sobota & Małgorzata Świąder & Paweł Borowski & Andrzej Moryl & Radosław Stodolak & Ewa Kucharczak & Zofia Zięba & Jan K. Kazak, 2021. "Marine Waste—Sources, Fate, Risks, Challenges and Research Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-17, January.
    13. Chenxingyu Duan & Zhen Wang & Bingzheng Zhou & Xiaolei Yao, 2024. "Global Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Supply Chain Resource Metabolism Efficiency and Carbon Emissions Co-Reduction Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-24, May.
    14. Lee, Chien-Chiang & Wang, Chih-Wei & Ho, Shan-Ju, 2022. "The dimension of green economy: Culture viewpoint," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 122-138.
    15. repec:eur:ejnmjr:63 is not listed on IDEAS
    16. Qamar Schuyler & Connie Ho & Fariba Ramezani, 2022. "Standards as a Tool for Reducing Plastic Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-8, August.
    17. Shahida Anusha Siddiqui & Adriano Profeta & Thomas Decker & Sergiy Smetana & Klaus Menrad, 2023. "Influencing Factors for Consumers’ Intention to Reduce Plastic Packaging in Different Groups of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods in Germany," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7396-:d:1465470. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.