A Pre-Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding the Disposal of Plastic Waste and Its Health Hazards Among Adults in Ghotawde Village of Kolhapur District

Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Page : 64 96
    By

    Diana Deelip Chinchawadkar,

  1. Researcher, Department of Nursing, Sub District Hospital, Malegaon, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Plastics are widely used due to their low cost, durability, and versatility; however, their non-biodegradable nature poses serious environmental and health hazards. Improper disposal of plastic waste contributes significantly to pollution and adverse health outcomes, especially in rural communities where awareness may be limited. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on adults’ knowledge about plastic waste disposal and its associated health hazards in Ghotawde village, Kolhapur district. Objectives: The study sought to evaluate the impact of the teaching program on participants’ knowledge regarding plastic waste disposal and its health risks, as well as to examine the relationship between pretest knowledge scores and selected sociodemographic factors. Methods: A community-based pre-experimental one-group pretest and posttest design was employed. A total of 100 adults were chosen using probability random sampling. Data were gathered through a sociodemographic questionnaire and a structured knowledge questionnaire. After conducting the pretest, the planned teaching program was implemented. Results: The pretest results indicated that 63% of participants had average knowledge, while 37% demonstrated poor knowledge regarding plastic waste disposal and its health hazards. Following the teaching program, all participants (100%) achieved good knowledge levels. The mean knowledge score increased from 9.92 in the pretest to 20.35 in the posttest. The calculated t-value of 24.21 was statistically significant (p < 0.05), confirming the effectiveness of the intervention. Additionally, a significant association was observed between pretest knowledge scores and participants’ age. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the structured teaching program was highly effective in enhancing adults’ knowledge about plastic waste disposal and related health hazards. The study highlights the importance of educational interventions in promoting safe and responsible plastic waste management practices within communities.

Keywords: Adults, health hazards, knowledge, planned teaching program, plastic waste

[This article belongs to International Journal of Community Health Nursing And Practices ]

How to cite this article:
Diana Deelip Chinchawadkar. A Pre-Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding the Disposal of Plastic Waste and Its Health Hazards Among Adults in Ghotawde Village of Kolhapur District. International Journal of Community Health Nursing And Practices. 2026; 04(01):64-96.
How to cite this URL:
Diana Deelip Chinchawadkar. A Pre-Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding the Disposal of Plastic Waste and Its Health Hazards Among Adults in Ghotawde Village of Kolhapur District. International Journal of Community Health Nursing And Practices. 2026; 04(01):64-96. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijchnp/article=2026/view=247436


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 04
Issue 01
Received 27/11/2025
Accepted 06/02/2026
Published 20/02/2026
Publication Time 85 Days
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