Application of KAP Model in Waste Management Education: A case study of Gujarat

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding waste management among middle-stage students (6th to 8th grade in rural and urban schools of Halol taluka, Gujarat, and to examine the influence of demographic variables on these domains. Methods: A descriptive research design was employed, using a stratified random sampling to select 678 students from six purposively chosen schools. A structured questionnaire was validated through pilot testing, expert validation, and reliability to assess knowledge (85 statements), attitudes (25 statements), and practices (18 questions) related to solid waste management. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with IBM SPSS version 20 and JAMOVI 2.6.44. Results: Urban students demonstrated significantly higher knowledge (M=37.25, SD=11.76) and better practices (M=47.60, SD=11.27), compared to rural students' knowledge (M=26.89, = SD=7.72) and practices (M=41.60, SD=6.46), with large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.30) and small effect size (Cohen's d = 0.30) in knowledge and practices, respectively. Attitude scores were similar across area (Urban: M=53.98, SD=5.15; Rural: M=52.03, SD=4.01). Females exhibited more positive attitudes (p=0.006) and better practices (p<0.001) than males. Knowledge and practices improved with age and grade, but attitudes remained consistent. Weak positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r=0.156, p=0.007) and between knowledge and practice (r=0.289, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals significant urban-rural disparities in knowledge and practices, influenced by age, gender, and grade. Social-learning theory-based educational intervention programs are needed to bridge these gaps, particularly in rural schools, to foster sustainable waste-management behaviours.