The association between sociodemographic factors, and knowledge, perception and practice towards microplastic contamination in human body among community in Ampang, Selangor

Yusuf, Siti Nordiana (2023) The association between sociodemographic factors, and knowledge, perception and practice towards microplastic contamination in human body among community in Ampang, Selangor. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Microplastic pollution in the environment was already visible for years. Humans are exposed to the risk of microplastics through several pathways including ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. A new study found that microplastics are available in human blood indicating these plastic particles are able to contact and enter the human body. Human’s knowledge, perception and practice regarding microplastic contamination were less discussed especially in Malaysia. Objectives: To investigate the association between sociodemographic factors which are gender, age, education level, residential area, marital status, income level, employment status and family history of disease with the level of knowledge, perception and practice towards microplastic contamination in human body among community in Ampang, Selangor. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Ampang territory. Malaysian residents aged 18 and above were recruited conveniently and a validated and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the sociodemographic data, knowledge, perception and practice scores of 437 respondents. Questionnaires were distributed both physically and virtually to the community. Results and Discussion: The community in Ampang, Selangor obtained a high level of knowledge (51.0%), positive perception (39.8%) and moderate level of practice (44.2%) towards microplastic contamination in human body. Knowledge is significantly associated with age (X2=9.573, p=0.008), education level (X2=114.291, p<0.001), marital status (X2=33.334, p<0.001) and employment status (X2=32.933, p<0.001). Five sociodemographic factors are significantly associated with perception level which are gender (X2=17.125, p<0.001), age (X2=9.479, p=0.020), education level (X2=112.241, p<0.001), marital status (X2=30.231, p<0.001) and employment status (X2=29.355, p<0.001). Practice level is significantly associated to gender (X2=7.667, p=0.022), age (X2=12.008, p=0.007), education level (X2=161.143, p<0.001), marital status (X2=44.917, p<0.001), income level (X2=8.153, p=0.018) employment status (X2=32.346, p<0.001) and family history of disease (X2=17.898, p<0.001). Both knowledge (X2=115.718, p<0.001) and perception (X2=140.850, p<0.001) are significantly associated with the practice. Among all factors, perception (X2=35.445, p<0.001) is the main predictor of practice. Conclusion: Sociodemographic background of the Ampang community does associate with the level of knowledge, perception and practice towards microplastic contamination in the human body. Keywords: Microplastics, Human Health, Sociodemographic Factors, Community

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2024 06:59
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2024 06:59
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1634

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