Household e-waste awareness, disposal practices and socioeconomic factors in a semi-urban community of Kerala: a cross-sectional study

Anamiya Baby; Anjana K. Babu; Helen T. Johnson; Merin T. Johnson; Nandhana C. Vijayan; Angel R. Raphy

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263593

Authors

Anamiya Baby Department of Statistics, Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Anjana K. Babu Department of Statistics, Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Helen T. Johnson Department of Statistics, Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Merin T. Johnson Department of Statistics, Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Nandhana C. Vijayan Department of Statistics, Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Angel R. Raphy Department of Statistics, Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263593

Keywords:

E-waste, Kerala, Household disposal practices, Awareness, Socioeconomic factors, Semi-urban community

Abstract

Background: Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing environmental and public health concern. This study assessed e-waste awareness, generation patterns, disposal practices, and socioeconomic factors among households in a semi-urban community of Kerala.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 households in Cheroor ward, Thrissur district, Kerala. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, e-waste generation, disposal practices, challenges, and awareness. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to examine associations and socioeconomic factors associated with general e-waste awareness.

Results: General awareness of e-waste was reported by 84.76% of households, while 78.10% were aware of its negative effects and 74.29% of its health effects. Awareness of e-waste management policies and regulations was lower (31.43%), and 48.57% had received information or education on e-waste management. Selling e-waste to scrap dealers was the most common disposal practice (80.95%), followed by storing e-waste at home (50.48%). Education was significantly associated with receipt of e-waste management information (χ²=8.497, df=2, p=0.014). In adjusted logistic regression, households with monthly incomes of ₹20,000–50,000 had higher odds of general e-waste awareness than those earning below ₹20,000 (OR=3.37, 95% CI: 1.28–9.24, p=0.015).

Conclusions: The findings indicate a gap between general e-waste awareness and use of formal disposal options. Improved household-level information and accessible formal collection facilities may support better e-waste management in semi-urban communities.

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