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Surveys of Knowledge and Awareness of Plastic Pollution and Risk Reduction Behavior in the General Population: A Systematic Review

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Listed:
  • Caterina Caminiti

    (Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Francesca Diodati

    (Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Matteo Puntoni

    (Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Denisa Balan

    (Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Maglietta

    (Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy)

Abstract

Individual attitudes and knowledge can predict pro-environmental behaviors. Public surveys, therefore, can provide precious information, which can guide sensitization interventions. In this systematic review, we searched Medline and Embase, with no language or date restrictions, for surveys designed to measure in the general population the level of knowledge about different types of plastics, the risks associated with plastic pollution, and awareness of actions to reduce them. Survey tools were analyzed following the guide of Burns and Kho, and study methodological quality was assessed via the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. We included 17 articles published from 2019 to 2024, mostly concerning European populations. The tools comprised a median of 13 items (range 7–50), and very differently formulated questions. Overall, 13/17 (76.5%) study questionnaires received less than 50% (<3.5) of the maximum possible score. The remaining four questionnaires obtained intermediate scores (between 3.5 and 5.3) indicating moderate quality. Most studies did not employ the appropriate cross-sectional survey methodology, only two studies statistically justified sample sizes, only three reported a sampling frame, and only two described a selection process that appears to be representative. In most cases, the instruments were not validated, and the statistical significance of key variables was not provided. The many shortcomings highlighted in this review emphasize the urgent need for methodological rigor when conducting survey studies, which are essential tools for public health.

Suggested Citation

  • Caterina Caminiti & Francesca Diodati & Matteo Puntoni & Denisa Balan & Giuseppe Maglietta, 2025. "Surveys of Knowledge and Awareness of Plastic Pollution and Risk Reduction Behavior in the General Population: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:177-:d:1578704
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yong Li & Bairong Wang & Orachorn Saechang, 2022. "Is Female a More Pro-Environmental Gender? Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-11, June.
    2. Luca Marazzi & Steven Loiselle & Lucy G Anderson & Stephen Rocliffe & Debbie J Winton, 2020. "Consumer-based actions to reduce plastic pollution in rivers: A multi-criteria decision analysis approach," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(8), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Jelena Barbir & Walter Leal Filho & Amanda Lange Salvia & Maren Theresa Christin Fendt & Rachel Babaganov & Maria Cristina Albertini & Alessandra Bonoli & Maximilian Lackner & Daniela Müller de Queved, 2021. "Assessing the Levels of Awareness among European Citizens about the Direct and Indirect Impacts of Plastics on Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-18, March.
    4. Bairong Wang & Yong Li, 2022. "Consumers’ Intention to Bring a Reusable Bag for Shopping in China: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-13, March.
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