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Effectiveness of a Skill-based Educational Intervention on Plastic Bag Use Among Women Attending Comprehensive Health Centers in Tehran: An Experimental Study
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Narguess Abdipour   , Nastaran Keshavarz Mohammadi * * , Mahshid Namdari |
| Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (28 Views) |
Background & objectives: The increasing use of plastic bags poses a significant environmental concern. The Reduce–Reuse–Recycle (3R) strategy, along with targeted education—especially among women, who play a crucial role in household and community health behaviors—may effectively encourage environmentally responsible practices. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a skill-based educational intervention aimed at changing women's plastic bag consumption behavior.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 2023 with 84 women in Tehran, using multi-stage random sampling. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received (1) educational pamphlets and (2) a two-hour training session focused on practical skills and the principles of 3R. Data were collected using structured questionnaires at baseline and one month after the intervention. Statistical analyses (paired t-test, independent t-test, chi-square test, and ANCOVA) were conducted using SPSS-26, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The average age of participants was 33.87 ± 8.47 years. At baseline, there were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, awareness, attitudes, or behaviors among the groups. One month after the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant increases in awareness and attitudes (p<0.05). Additionally, plastic bag usage decreased by 17.4% in the intervention group, which is a statistically significant reduction (p<0.05).
Conclusion: A skill-based educational intervention based on the 3R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) significantly enhanced knowledge and attitudes, as well as decreased plastic bag consumption among women attending comprehensive health centers. This targeted educational approach can be an effective element of programs aimed at promoting sustainable behaviors and protecting the environment.
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| Keywords: Plastic Bag, Attitude, Knowledge, Behavior, 3R Strategy, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle |
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Full-Text [PDF 288 kb]
(22 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/12/20 | Accepted: 2025/10/2 | Published: 2025/10/2
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