Disposal of Polythene Bags Among Residents of Lira City, Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Improper disposal of used polythene bags waste remains a significant public health challenge worldwide. In Uganda, 53% of solid wastes are generated in urban areas, especially in households. Lira City passed a solid waste management ordinance 2019 to support solid waste management including polythene bags, and use of enforcement among others but the implementation of the interventional measures remains a challenge since Polythene bags are used as daily shopping bags, and also for packaging food. This study therefore assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of residents of Lira City on the disposal of used polythene bags. Methods A cross-sectional study survey was employed. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected among 421 randomly selected residents of Lira City. Data was collected using structured Questionnaires and key interview guides through face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data analysis was done using STATA Version 17, summarized as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Pearson Chi-square test was run for bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis using logistic regression p-value of 0.05 to obtain significant variables associated with the outcome variable. Qualitative data analysis was manually done using the Braun & Clerke 2016, 6 steps. Results Overall, the rate was 99.8%. Disposal practices of respondents were improper at 52.5%, a good number of the respondents 42.5% were aged 18 to 28 years, female 64.9%, and 34.9% attained a primary level of education. Most of them were self-employed 41.1%, married 61.3%, and Catholic 35.2%. The majority 78.9% had good knowledge of proper disposal of used polythene bags. Significant factors associated with used polythene bags disposal among residents in Lira City were age [AOR = 3.007; 95% CI; 1.074–8.417], Sex [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI; 0.82–1.97], Reduced Injuries [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI; 0.38–4.15], Drainage blockage [AOR = 3.04; 95% CI; 2.00-4.63], and Human Health Problems [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI; 1.15–2.73]. Conclusion knowledge of disposal of used polythene bags was good; disposal practices were poor at 52.5%. KII reported a knowledge gap in managing used polythene bags which has become a major challenge in Lira city. “The waste management practices of the people in the peri-urban areas of the city are very poor and it’s even worse with used polythene bags. Therefore, need for awareness creation on general waste management with emphasis on the disposal of used polythene bags” KI-1 said.