Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana.
<h4>Introduction</h4>Plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastics (SUPs), is an increasing environmental problem, especially for coastal communities dependent on marine ecosystems for their livelihood, food, and recreation. The Korle-Gonno community in Ghana epitomizes this:...
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Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2025-01-01
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| Series: | PLoS ONE |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327374 |
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| author | Elijah Kwasi Peprah Samuel Agyabeng Boapeah Roberta Amewor Christine Tettey Forgive Awo Norvivor Doreen Danso Reginald Eshun Hope Yaw Attah Michael Affordofe |
| author_facet | Elijah Kwasi Peprah Samuel Agyabeng Boapeah Roberta Amewor Christine Tettey Forgive Awo Norvivor Doreen Danso Reginald Eshun Hope Yaw Attah Michael Affordofe |
| author_sort | Elijah Kwasi Peprah |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <h4>Introduction</h4>Plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastics (SUPs), is an increasing environmental problem, especially for coastal communities dependent on marine ecosystems for their livelihood, food, and recreation. The Korle-Gonno community in Ghana epitomizes this: inadequate waste management systems and heavy reliance on SUPs. This study aimed to explore the drivers of consumer attitudes toward SUPs to inform effective interventions.<h4>Methods</h4>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 198 residents of Korle-Gonno. The study used a multi-stage sampling method to select participants, targeting adults who had lived in the community for at least five years. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed socio-demographics, knowledge, concerns, attitudes, and practices regarding SUPs. Scores were categorized into low, moderate, and high levels, and data were analyzed using STATA 17.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed, including chi-square tests and logistic regression.<h4>Results</h4>The study showed that 51% of the respondents have low knowledge of SUPs and although they considered SUPs as one of the major contributors to pollution, only 10.1% reported recycling plastics, while most relied on improper methods of plastic disposal. Important predictors of positive attitude towards the reduction of SUPs were: high levels of concern (aOR=2.37, 95% CI = 1.09-5.15) and good perception of environmental impact (aOR=4.59, 95% CI = 2.15-10.83). Those who had lived in the community for more than 20 years were likely to have positive attitudes (aOR=2.45, 95% CI = 1.04-5.77).<h4>Conclusion</h4>SUP pollution in Korle-Gonno is fueled by a lack of knowledge, inappropriate practices, and inadequate infrastructure. While these are major challenges, the community strongly supports regulation and corporate responsibility. Public education, improvement of the recycling system, and promotion of biodegradable alternatives are critical intervention strategies to solve this problem sustainably. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-577ee3cfad4b4ac98475a607a4586288 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1932-6203 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) |
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| series | PLoS ONE |
| spelling | doaj-art-577ee3cfad4b4ac98475a607a45862882025-08-20T03:17:54ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032025-01-01207e032737410.1371/journal.pone.0327374Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana.Elijah Kwasi PeprahSamuel Agyabeng BoapeahRoberta AmeworChristine TetteyForgive Awo NorvivorDoreen DansoReginald EshunHope Yaw AttahMichael Affordofe<h4>Introduction</h4>Plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastics (SUPs), is an increasing environmental problem, especially for coastal communities dependent on marine ecosystems for their livelihood, food, and recreation. The Korle-Gonno community in Ghana epitomizes this: inadequate waste management systems and heavy reliance on SUPs. This study aimed to explore the drivers of consumer attitudes toward SUPs to inform effective interventions.<h4>Methods</h4>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 198 residents of Korle-Gonno. The study used a multi-stage sampling method to select participants, targeting adults who had lived in the community for at least five years. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed socio-demographics, knowledge, concerns, attitudes, and practices regarding SUPs. Scores were categorized into low, moderate, and high levels, and data were analyzed using STATA 17.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed, including chi-square tests and logistic regression.<h4>Results</h4>The study showed that 51% of the respondents have low knowledge of SUPs and although they considered SUPs as one of the major contributors to pollution, only 10.1% reported recycling plastics, while most relied on improper methods of plastic disposal. Important predictors of positive attitude towards the reduction of SUPs were: high levels of concern (aOR=2.37, 95% CI = 1.09-5.15) and good perception of environmental impact (aOR=4.59, 95% CI = 2.15-10.83). Those who had lived in the community for more than 20 years were likely to have positive attitudes (aOR=2.45, 95% CI = 1.04-5.77).<h4>Conclusion</h4>SUP pollution in Korle-Gonno is fueled by a lack of knowledge, inappropriate practices, and inadequate infrastructure. While these are major challenges, the community strongly supports regulation and corporate responsibility. Public education, improvement of the recycling system, and promotion of biodegradable alternatives are critical intervention strategies to solve this problem sustainably.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327374 |
| spellingShingle | Elijah Kwasi Peprah Samuel Agyabeng Boapeah Roberta Amewor Christine Tettey Forgive Awo Norvivor Doreen Danso Reginald Eshun Hope Yaw Attah Michael Affordofe Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana. PLoS ONE |
| title | Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana. |
| title_full | Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana. |
| title_fullStr | Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana. |
| title_short | Knowledge, attitudes and practice of consumers towards single-use plastics at Korle-Gonno, Ghana. |
| title_sort | knowledge attitudes and practice of consumers towards single use plastics at korle gonno ghana |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327374 |
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