Abstract:
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate solid waste management behavior and related factors among households in Ban Kas Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province. The sample included 321 household heads or representatives over the age of 18 who were in charge of managing household solid waste. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on a literature review of solid waste management behavior and related factors. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test or the Fisher's Exact Test. The findings revealed that the majority of the sample group was 60 years or older, had less than a primary education, and had an average monthly income of no more than 20,000 baht. The majority of them worked in informal occupations, such as farmers, housewives, or general laborers. They had lived in the community for over 20 years, and the majority of their housing was detached. 96.6 percent of the sample group had received information about solid waste management. In the study of the sample group's knowledge level regarding solid waste management, it was discovered that the majority of the sample group (51.4 percent) had a moderate level of overall knowledge. The majority of the sample group (65.1 percent) had the highest level of awareness of the solid waste problem. In terms of household representatives' solid waste management behavior based on the 5R waste management principle, the overall level was the highest, at 65.1%. It was discovered that all 5 waste management behaviors were at the highest level, and could be ranked according to the average value of the overall behavior as follows: Aspect 4 (repair and reuse behavior) is ranked first, followed by aspect 1, waste reduction behavior (reduce), and aspect 2, cost-effective reuse behavior (reuse). An analysis of factors related to household waste management behavior in the Ban Kas Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Sung Men District, Phrae Province, revealed that personal, knowledge, and awareness factors were not related to household waste management behavior. As a result, relevant agencies should develop or implement household waste policies or measures that can be applied throughout the community to ensure that residents maintain and improve their household waste management behavior.