Effects of a Solid Waste Management Program Based on the 5R Principles on Waste Reduction Behavior in Dormitories in Thonburi District, Bangkok.

Abstract

     This quasi-experimental research on a solid waste management program based on the 5R principles aimed to examine its effects on waste reduction behaviors in dormitories in Thonburi District, Bangkok. The study's objective was to compare levels of knowledge, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and waste reduction behaviors in dormitories before and after the experiment. The sample consisted of 70 participants, divided into an experimental group (35 participants) and a control group (35 participants), selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. The experimental group participated in a behavior modification program for four weeks. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire that met acceptable quality standards. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, with hypothesis testing conducted using the Paired Samples t-test and Independent t-test.

     The results revealed that after the experiment, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of knowledge, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and waste reduction behaviors in dormitories compared to before the experiment, with statistical significance at 0.05 level. Additionally, when comparing between groups, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher post-test mean scores in knowledge of waste reduction, perceived self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and waste reduction behaviors than the control group at a significance at 0.05 level.