Determinants of Environmental Behavior toward Plastic use Among Residents of Chittagong

Abstract

DOI:10.5281/zenodo.17493438

Plastic pollution represents an increasingly serious environmental challenge in rapidly urbanizing regions such as Chittagong, Bangladesh. This study sought to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of city residents concerning plastic pollution, and to determine how socio-demographic variables influence pro-environmental behaviors. A cross-sectional survey involving 641 participants was administered through a structured questionnaire. The analysis revealed that female respondents exhibited higher attitude (4.0 ± 0.7) and practice (3.4 ± 0.8) scores than male respondents (3.9 ± 0.8 and 3.2 ± 0.9, respectively). Individuals aged 31–45 years demonstrated the highest levels of engagement in sustainable activities such as waste segregation and recycling. Educational attainment was positively associated with enhanced knowledge and environmentally responsible behavior, with participants holding a bachelor’s degree or higher achieving the highest KAP scores. Despite satisfactory levels of awareness, several respondents reported inconsistent implementation of eco-friendly practices, indicating a noticeable knowledge–practice gap. These findings emphasize the necessity for targeted educational interventions, public awareness initiatives, and policy frameworks aimed at promoting sustainable plastic waste management in Chittagong.