Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Waste Management among Primary School Children in Türkiye
Abstract
Background: Waste management is a major environmental health issue. Early education plays a key role in developing sustainable behaviors. This study aimed to assess primary school students’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding waste management.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between March and June 2024 in Istanbul, Türkiye, with 358 primary school students. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form and a waste management awareness questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and ANOVA were used. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 78.2% of students reported that waste negatively affects health, and 84.4% stated that improper waste management increases disease risk. Most participants (93.6%) recognized the recycling symbol. Mean scores were above average for knowledge (6.18±1.69), attitudes (2.52±1.02), practices (10.60±3.04) and total score (19.31±4.62). Knowledge scores increased significantly with grade level (p < 0.001). Students who received environmental education had significantly higher total and practice scores (p < 0.001). Family discussion on waste management was associated with higher scores across all domains (p < 0.001). In contrast, students who reported the internet as their main source of information had lower practice scores (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Although students demonstrated adequate knowledge and positive attitudes, gaps in practices remain. Environmental education and family engagement play a crucial role in promoting sustainable behaviors among children.
Key messages: • Knowledge is high but behavioral gaps persist among primary school children regarding waste management.
• School-based education and family involvement are key drivers of sustainable environmental behaviors in children.
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BibTeX
@article{ocebe2026knowledge,
title = {{Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Waste Management among Primary School Children in Türkiye}},
author = {D Kurap Ocebe and HT Ozdemir and S Erol},
journal = {The European Journal of Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1251},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1251},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Waste Management among Primary School Children in Türkiye
AU - D Kurap Ocebe
AU - HT Ozdemir
AU - S Erol
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - The European Journal of Public Health
DO - 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1251
UR - https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.1251
AB - Background: Waste management is a major environmental health issue. Early education plays a key role in developing sustainable behaviors. This study aimed to assess primary school students’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding waste management. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between March and June 2024 in Istanbul, Türkiye, with 358 primary school students. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form and a waste management awareness questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and ANOVA were used. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 78.2% of students reported that waste negatively affects health, and 84.4% stated that improper waste management increases disease risk. Most participants (93.6%) recognized the recycling symbol. Mean scores were above average for knowledge (6.18±1.69), attitudes (2.52±1.02), practices (10.60±3.04) and total score (19.31±4.62). Knowledge scores increased significantly with grade level (p < 0.001). Students who received environmental education had significantly higher total and practice scores (p < 0.001). Family discussion on waste management was associated with higher scores across all domains (p < 0.001). In contrast, students who reported the internet as their main source of information had lower practice scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although students demonstrated adequate knowledge and positive attitudes, gaps in practices remain. Environmental education and family engagement play a crucial role in promoting sustainable behaviors among children. Key messages: • Knowledge is high but behavioral gaps persist among primary school children regarding waste management. • School-based education and family involvement are key drivers of sustainable environmental behaviors in children.
SN - 1101-1262
SN - 1464-360X
ER -