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Practice patterns and perceptions of UF students and medical trainees regarding microplastics: an in-depth discussion and survey report
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A survey of college students and young doctors found that most people know microplastics (tiny plastic particles found in food, water, and air) are a health concern and worry about their effects, but that concern doesn't always lead to action — actual habits to reduce exposure, like avoiding plastic containers or filtering water, were much less consistent. This matters because it shows that just teaching people about microplastics isn't enough; we likely need practical, easy-to-follow guidance to help people actually cut down their everyday exposure.
BACKGROUND: Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with increasing evidence of human exposure and potential health effects. Given the scale of plastic production and consumption in the United States, understanding how young adults perceive and respond to microplastics is essential for informing future educational and prevention strategies. Using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) framework, this study assessed awareness, perceptions, and self-reported behaviors related to microplastics and health among university students and medical trainees at a large academic institution. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, cross-sectional survey at the University of Florida (August-November 2025) among undergraduate and graduate students, medical students, and trainees (residents and fellows). Data were collected via the validated 43-item MIKAP questionnaire administered through REDCap; surveys with less than 80% completion were excluded. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were expressed as percentages of the maximum possible score and stratified by academic level. Group comparisons employed independent samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests based on the distribution of the data, with Bonferroni correction applied for attitude comparisons. Spearman's rank correlation examined associations between KAP domains and age. Multivariable linear regression identified independent predictors of attitude and practice scores, complemented by a logistic regression model using a binary practice outcome. RESULTS: A total of 213 participants were included in the final analysis (153 medical students and 60 medical trainees), with a mean age of 27.1 ± 7.2 years. Overall knowledge regarding microplastics was moderate to high, with a mean correct response rate of 72.5%; knowledge gaps were most evident for dermal exposure and indoor airborne sources, while recognition of environmental presence and dietary exposure was high. Attitudes towards microplastics were broadly positive across both groups (mean score 85.5% of maximum) reflecting widespread concern for environmental and human health impacts. Self-reported practices were moderate, with a mean practice score of 52.1% of maximum. No statistically significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, or practices were observed between students and medical trainees (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: University students and medical trainees demonstrated moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward microplastics, but less consistent engagement in practices aimed at reducing exposure. Similar patterns across training levels suggest that awareness alone may not translate into protective behaviors. These findings highlight the need for educational and institutional approaches that emphasize practical, actionable strategies to reduce everyday microplastic exposure.
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