Abstract
Background:Globally, around 44.7 million metric tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2016. India, being the second most populous country in world, generated 2 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2016. About 5000 metric tonnes of e-waste is imported to India every year. This highlights the need to study awareness about e-waste among the consumers generating it. So, this study was planned with primary objective to assess the knowledge regarding e-waste among medical undergraduate students as they are also the consumers of electronic equipment which constitutes e-waste. Methodology: The present study was a cross-sectional one, done among 300 medical undergraduate students of a tertiary care hospital and teaching institution in Delhi, India. A pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information from study participants. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Result: More than two-thirds of the (77.3%, 232) study participants were aware about concept of e-waste. Out of these 232 students, only about half had adequate knowledge about equipment contributing to e-waste and constituents of e-waste. Most common reason for purchase of new electronics was desire for new technology. Conclusion: A significant percentage of students (22.7%) have not even heard of concept of e-waste. Their practices related to e-waste handling were hazardous from both health and environmental aspect. This is an area of concern in this era of growing environmental deterioration. There is a need to study general public awareness also so that appropriate measures can be undertaken.
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