A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding the ILL Effects of Plastics on Health and Environment among Housewives of Selected Rural Area at Maharashtra

Background: Plastics have become an integral part of daily life; however, their excessive use and improper disposal pose serious threats to human health and the environment. Lack of awareness regarding these hazards contributes to unsafe plastic usage practices. Educating rural housewives can play a significant role in reducing plastic-related health and environmental risks.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the existing knowledge regarding the ill effects of plastics on health and environment among housewives, evaluate the effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Programme (STP), and determine the association between pre-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables.

Methods: A quantitative research approach with a pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 100 housewives selected through non-probability purposive sampling from a rural area of Maharashtra. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire. Following the pre-test, a Structured Teaching Programme on the ill effects of plastics was administered, and a post-test was conducted on the seventh day. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: In the pre-test, 46% of participants had inadequate knowledge and 54% had moderately adequate knowledge, with a mean knowledge score of 11.34 (37.8%). After the intervention, 76% of participants had adequate knowledge and 24% had moderately adequate knowledge, with a mean knowledge score of 23.06 (76.8%). The mean difference between pre-test and post-test scores was 11.72. The calculated paired t-value (t = 59.03, p < 0.05) indicated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge following the Structured Teaching Programme. No significant association was found between pre-test knowledge scores and demographic variables such as age, religion, monthly family income, and waste disposal methods.

Conclusion: The Structured Teaching Programme was highly effective in improving the knowledge of housewives regarding the ill effects of plastics on health and environment. Educational interventions can be an effective strategy for promoting environmental awareness and encouraging safer plastic usage practices in rural communities.