Ghanadzadeh M¹ * ( PhD Student) , Akhavan M² (MSc), Bolhasani A³ (MSc), Eshrati B⁴ (PhD), Shamsi M⁴ (PhD)

  ¹ Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

  ² Deputy Municipal Planning , Municipality of Arak, Arak, Iran

  ³ Waste Management Organization, Arak, Iran

  ⁴ Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

  Original Article

  Received: 24 May 2014, Accepted: 11 Sep 2014

  Abstract

  Introduction: W aste management is a major concern in human societies. Citizen’s awareness and positive attitudes towards the issue can facilitate accurate and efficient measures. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, practice and educational needs of mothers in households about the disposal of waste in Arak in 2011.

  Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 1215 women were recruited. Participants were selected from three different areas of the city. Data were collected via a questionnaire including knowledge, attitude, practice and appropriate resource of education items on the waste management. Data were analyzed using proper statistical tests.

  Results: The mean knowledge of mothers was 5.8±2.3 (out of 8). The mean attitude was 26.1±7.8 (out of 35). Most of the women (35%) believed that waste should be collected around 10-11 p.m. There were significant relationships between the knowledge with job and level of education (p<0.05). Most of the women living in the third area of the city (70%) believed in waste recycling and 89.9% believed in separately collecting the recycled waste (p=0.01). There were significant differences between the three areas of the city on proposed educational strategies to enhance citizens knowledge on waste management (p=0.00).

  Conclusion: Our study showed that the knowledge of women about the waste management was adequate. Further research should be carried out to clarify the barriers of collaboration of people in the waste management. Appropriate strategies should also be designed through health centers and/or media to improve the performance of the people on the issue.

  Key words: k nowledge, attitude, mothers, waste management, environmental

  Please cite this article as follows:

  Ghanadzadeh M, Akhavan M, Bolhasani A, Eshrati B, Shamsi M. Measuring Viewpoints of Citizens (Mothers) on Waste Management in order to Develop Educational Strategies. Hakim Health Sys Res 2014 17(3): 184- 191.

  * Corresponding Author: Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Telefax: +98- 86- 3686443 , E-mail: mg.ghanadzadeh@arakmu.ac.ir