Electronic waste management practices and associated factors among households in Kombolcha City, northeastern Ethiopia. A mixed methods study

@article{ebrahim2026electronic,
  title = {{Electronic waste management practices and associated factors among households in Kombolcha City, northeastern Ethiopia. A mixed methods study}},
  author = {Ahmed Mohammed Ebrahim and Belay Desye and Anmut Endalkachew Bezie and Adinew Gizeyatu and Tarikuwa Natnael and Kassahun Ayele Gasheya and Alebachew Bitew Abie and Zufan Getahun Muhie},
  journal = {Scientific Reports},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-63809-0},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63809-0},
  note = {CC BY},
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Electronic waste management practices and associated factors among households in Kombolcha City, northeastern Ethiopia. A mixed methods study
AU  - Ahmed Mohammed Ebrahim
AU  - Belay Desye
AU  - Anmut Endalkachew Bezie
AU  - Adinew Gizeyatu
AU  - Tarikuwa Natnael
AU  - Kassahun Ayele Gasheya
AU  - Alebachew Bitew Abie
AU  - Zufan Getahun Muhie
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/01
JO  - Scientific Reports
DO  - 10.1038/s41598-026-63809-0
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63809-0
AB  - Electrical and electronic technologies impact almost every aspect of human life. E-waste poses a severe health concern to recyclers, informal waste collectors, and residents of towns near waste disposal sites in many developing countries. The improper disposal of electronic waste causes environmental damage and public health risks, particularly in developing countries. Electronic waste contains hazardous compounds such as lead, chromium, and cadmium which can lead to cancer, neurological damage, allergic reactions, and birth defects. The aim of this study was to assess electronic waste management practices and associated factors among households in Kombolcha City, northeastern Ethiopia, 2025. A community-based cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted among 423 households, employing a standardized questionnaire adapted from previous studies. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized. Six focus group discussions (FGD) and 30 key informant interviews (KIIS) were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The variables with p < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included into multivariable analysis. Statistically significant variables were declared as p < 0.05. Overall, 60% of study participants had poor knowledge, 58.2% had unfavorable attitudes, and 57.9% of study participants had poor e-waste management practices. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, income, occupation, educational status, knowledge, and favorable attitudes were significant factors for e-waste management practice. Households with higher education status had significantly higher odds (AOR = 8.23, 95% CI: 1.45–46.79) of good e-waste management practice compared to those with no formal education. Households with favorable attitudes had significantly higher odds (AOR = 5.71, 95% CI: 2.96–11.05) of good e-waste management practices compared to those who had unfavorable attitudes. E-waste management practices among households in Kombolcha City are generally poor, with inadequate knowledge and unfavorable attitudes. Strengthening community awareness and promoting safe e-waste handling and disposal practices are essential to protect public health and the environment. To address the problem strengthen and effectively implement e-waste management policies is crucial.
SN  - 2045-2322
ER  -