Linking knowledge, attitudes, and practices to sustainable solid waste, water, and energy use in Egyptian households

Abstract

Abstract Municipal solid waste management (SWM) and water and energy conservation in Egypt have been the subject of several prior studies. However, less is reported concerning household-level knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAP) in these domains. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the Kap of Egyptian households and identify the factors impacting SWM and conservation actions. It utilized an online questionnaire to collect data on KAP regarding SWM, as well as water and energy conservation, from Egyptian households. The results revealed that participants had a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes toward SWM, as well as water and energy conservation. However, their actual practices related to SWM were moderate, while their practices concerning water and energy conservation were relatively low. The results also indicated that gender, age, marital status, and educational level were significantly related to the knowledge of SWM. In contrast, age and education were found to be the only key indicators of knowledge in water and energy conservation. Furthermore, it was found that higher levels of education were associated with higher knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) ratings in SWM as well as water and energy conservation.