0
Article Tier 2 Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Exploring Gendered Dimensions in University Students' Perceptions, Behaviors, and Policy Implications Regarding Microplastics

2025

AI summary Read the abstract

A survey study at a Palestinian university explored gender differences in students' perceptions and behaviors regarding microplastic pollution, finding that female students showed higher environmental awareness but that gender gaps in knowledge and behavior persisted across the sample.

This study investigates the perspectives, behaviors, and policy implications of Birzeit University (BZU) students regarding microplastics (MPs), providing essential insights for comprehensive pollution management. The research, conducted through an online survey, evaluates students’ awareness of MPs and their environmental health implications. Key findings reveal a significant inclination among students to reduce MP usage, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping effective policies. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives and policies to cultivate an environmentally conscious university community. Exploring gendered dimensions, 40.9% of males and 42.3% of females express heightened concern, stating they are “Very worried” about MPs’ harm to human health. A substantial majority, 53.4% of males and 55.2% of females, advocate for university policies to reduce MP usage. Among male students, 57.9% desire the university to set an example, while a slightly higher percentage of female students, 63.6%, share the same sentiment. The findings shed light on gender-specific perspectives, contributing valuable insights for developing targeted strategies in the university community.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

A Preliminary Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes of University Students Regarding Microplastic Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment

AI summary Read the abstract

A cross-sectional survey of university students found moderate knowledge and attitudes toward microplastic pollution, with no significant variation by age, gender, academic performance, or field of study. The findings suggest that structured education and media engagement are needed to improve microplastic literacy among young people who will shape future demand for plastic alternatives.

Article Tier 2

Level of Awareness and Attitudes towards Plastic Contamination by Students of an Italian University

AI summary Read the abstract

A survey of 220 Italian university students found significant gaps in awareness about micro- and nanoplastic contamination, with many not connecting everyday behaviors to plastic pollution despite science-oriented backgrounds.

Article Tier 2

Replication Data for: University Students’ Environmental Literacy and Consumption Behaviour Towards Microplastics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of Universiti Malaya students in July 2024 to assess environmental literacy related to microplastic pollution, examining differences across gender, age, and study major as part of a broader study on consumption behaviour.

Systematic Review Tier 1

A systematic review of microplastics perception and its factors: Implications on SDGs

AI summary Read the abstract

This systematic review examines public awareness and understanding of microplastic pollution around the world. The findings show that gender and education level are key factors in how people perceive microplastic risks, and that more research is needed on how awareness translates into behavior changes that could reduce plastic pollution and its health impacts.

Article

Awareness and Attitudes of College Students Toward Plastic Pollution in Bangladesh: A Social Science Perspective on Environmental Education

AI summary Read the abstract

A quantitative survey of 300 Bangladeshi higher secondary students found significant differences in plastic pollution awareness by academic discipline, gender, and parental education, with science students demonstrating greater knowledge. Understanding awareness gaps is critical for microplastic pollution research because behavioral change and public health responses depend on environmental literacy, particularly in developing nations where plastic waste management infrastructure is insufficient.

Research digests by email

When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.

Email me about

Share this paper