Iranian experiences in terms of consumption of disposable single- use plastics: Introduction to theoretical variables for developing environmental health promotion efforts

Abstract

In recent years, the consumption of disposable plastic items such as single-use plastic bags, plates, cutlery and so on has rapidly increased in Iran. Present study explored the Iranians' experiences in terms of the consumption of disposable single-use plastics. A qualitative content analysis study was conducted in Delfan, Lorestan, Iran in 2017. Thirty semi-structured in-depth interviews were done with citizens who resided in Delfan. Participants were asked about their experiences of single-use plastics consumption. After the first interview, continuous analysis of data began and continued up to data saturation. Three main themes including perceived barriers for less consumption of disposable single-use plastics, decisional balance and structural factors emerged as the Iranians' experiences in terms of the consumption of disposable single-use plastics. Health promotion practitioners should increase public awareness about the harmful outcomes of high consumption of disposable single-use plastic items through mass media. In addition, they should convince policymakers to enact laws for increasing the production of recyclable single-use items.