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Evaluating Knowledge and Behavioral Differences in E-Waste Handling among Professional Students: A Cross-Sectional
Ashwini Katole1, Anupriya Jha2, Purushottam Giri3
1Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Background:
Electronic waste (e-waste), consisting of discarded electrical and electronic equipment, is a growing environmental and public health concern. India ranks among the top global e-waste producers, yet awareness and compliance with safe disposal practices remain limited. Students of professional courses, such as medicine and engineering, are future influencers of both public health and technology practices.
Objectives:
To evaluate and compare the knowledge and behavioral practices related to e-waste handling among Professional Students in Pondicherry, India.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 979 students from professional colleges selected through random sampling in Pondicherry. Data were collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire comprising 15 items on knowledge and 8 on practice. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and Epi Info, and Chi-square tests were applied with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
Awareness of e-waste was higher among medical students (85.8%) compared to engineering students (79.1%) (P = 0.007). Awareness of e-waste-related policies was significantly greater among engineering students (36.9%) than medical students (12.2%) (P < 0.0001). Recycling practice was more common among engineering students (16.3%) than medical students (10.0%) (P = 0.004). Medical students demonstrated better recognition of e-waste health and environmental hazards (77.8% vs. 63.1%, P < 0.001). Both groups showed poor segregation and policy knowledge.
Conclusion:
The comparative assessment revealed notable differences in knowledge and behavioral practices related to e-waste handling between medical and engineering students. While medical students demonstrated higher awareness of the health and environmental implications of e-waste, engineering students showed better understanding of policy and technical aspects, as well as stronger engagement in recycling and resale practices. Overall, both groups exhibited gaps in safe disposal behavior despite moderate awareness levels, highlighting the need to strengthen the knowledge-to-practice transition in e-waste management.
