Abstract
Background: Illegal dumping, particularly diaper waste, is a global environmental issue due to poor waste-management. Disposable diapers increase household waste and pollution, especially in rural areas with limited access to basic services. The study aims aimed to determine the prevalence and community understanding of diaper waste-management.
Study Design: To investigate the trends of poor diaper disposal and the relationship between the variables, a quantitative study using a correlational survey design was conducted.
Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to parents and guardians, as well as caregivers for those who use disposable diapers. Probability sampling, specifically stratified sampling was used. The raw data was captured in Microsoft Excel, then edited, coded, and verified before being exported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as counts, percentages, means, standard deviations, minimums, and maximums were used, as well as frequencies. To determine relationships, cross-tabulations of category variables were used. The Fisher’s Exact Test was used on 2x2 tables. The Pearson Chi-Square Test was used on tables larger than 2x2.
Results: The findings were based on a population sample of 221 participants, with parents accounting for the majority (61%), followed by relatives (26%). The majority came from low-income households, with 51.6% poor and 19.5% below average. The results of the study on the relationship between inappropriate diaper disposal and a lack of waste collection by local municipalities revealed that most participants (52.4%) never received waste collection services, 19.9% received them only occasionally, and 16.7% received them all the time. Most participants (40%) threw diapers in the bin 39.8%; however, when the bins were full, 24% of respondents buried used diapers in a pit, 29.7% threw them in nearby bushes, and 3.6% burned them. The results of a study on the relationship between education level and inappropriate diaper disposal revealed that most participants needed education on diaper waste management; 77% agreed or strongly agreed, while 14.9% disagreed. Participants, regardless of education level, stated that they throw diapers in the bin and then into the
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nearby bushes when the bin is full because there are no waste collection services and the only convenient places are nearby valleys, bushes, and rivers. The findings on the relationship between community awareness campaigns and good diaper disposal practices revealed that 17.14% of participants attended a community awareness campaign about proper diaper waste disposal, 71.4% did not, and 10.4% were neutral. Only a few respondents stated that they had participated in diaper waste management campaigns and would like to be trained; thus, diaper disposal practices may be inappropriate if not properly understood.
Conclusion: A diaper waste-collection strategy is needed to reduce environmental risks, involving stakeholders, local municipalities, and public awareness campaigns on proper disposal and proper disposal methods.
Keywords: Disposable diapers, waste management, uncontrolled environment, unmonitored environment, community awareness, waste collection services.