Utilization, disposal of plastic bags, and perception of their effects among Makerere University Students

Abstract

The prevalent use and disposal of plastic bags around Makerere University triggered the undertaking of this study. The major purpose of the study was to examine the utilization, disposal of plastic bags, and perception of their effects among Makerere university students. Based on the study, this paper presents and discusses the findings on the factors influencing students to inappropriately use and dispose of plastic bags. It also presents the perceptions and views of the students on the effects of plastic bag use and disposal. A link to the survey was sent out to Students at Makerere University using Gmail and WhatsApp with a brief description of the purpose of the survey, and an explanation that the survey is voluntary and for academic purposes. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from students at the university. Respondents included 62 female students and 116 male students obtained by simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, and the chi-square test used for the bivariate analysis in STATA version 15. A binary logistic regression was used to relate the use of plastic bags and a few major selected determinants. The study found that most of the students (88.76%) had received sensitization on the dangers of plastic bag use, 110 students still reported packing hot food in plastic bags, and 58.99% still used open dumping as a disposal method. Therefore, there is high poor utilization and disposal of plastic bags among the students. Recommendations by the study included the government strengthening its structures and processes in the implementation and enforcement of banning the use of plastic bags.