BHS570: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A STUDY ON THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ON SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS IN UITM
PUNCAK ALAM

PREPARED BY:
PENIELLE LYDIA HERMAN (2020816802)
BARTHILDA ANAK HUDSON (2020840468)
MASTURINA BINTI ABDUL MALEK (2020884316)
NUR SYAZWANI ATHIRAH BINTI MILIS @ MOHD HILMI (2020452874)

PREPARED FOR:
DR. AJAU DANIS
DR. KHAIRIL ANUAR BIN MD ISA
DR. SITI NOR ISMALINA BINTI ISA

HS243: BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (HONS)

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

27 JANUARY 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE Page

TITLE PAGE

ABSTRACT iii
ABSTRAK IV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background Information 1
1.2 Problem Statement 2
1.3 Research Questions 3
1.4 Research Objective 4
1.5 Hypothesis 4
1.6 Definition of Terms 5
1.6.1 Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) 5
1.6.2 Solid Waste 6
1.6.3 Solid Waste Management (SWM) 6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 7

2.1 Waste Management in Universities 7
2.2 Students’ Knowledge and Awareness of Solid Waste Management 7
2.3 The Relation Between Students’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on SWM 8

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 10
3.1 Study Design 10
3.2 Setting 10
3.3 Sampling Design and Sample Size 10
3.4 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria 12
3.4.1 Inclusion criteria 12
3.4.2 Exclusion criteria 12
3.5 Data Measurement 12
3.6 Ethical Consideration or Approval 13
3.7 Data Collection 13

i
3.8 Data and Statistical Analysis 13
3.9 Expected Outcomes 14
3.10 Limitations of the Study 14
3.11 Timeframe for the Project 14

REFERENCES 15

APPENDICES

ii
 ABSTRACT

A STUDY ON THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ON SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS IN UITM
PUNCAK ALAM

Solid waste management is a crucial aspect in achieving the environmental sustainability in

an academic institution, especially in universities where most of the waste are generated by
students who lives in residential colleges in campus. This study will investigate the relationship
between undergraduate health sciences students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of
solid waste management. The objective of this research is to ascertain the level of awareness
on solid waste management, to determine their practices on solid waste management in terms
of segregation, reduce, reuse, recycle, and waste disposal, and to evaluate the significant
relationship between the awareness of the students and their practices on solid waste
management among undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam. This
research implements the descriptive research design and will be conducted as a cross-
sectional study method. For research purposes, a KAP study will be conducted which will
involve 334 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences in UiTM Puncak
Alam. All respondents are randomly selected and will participate in the research in their own
will. This research is relevant for the general population of the university as it will help to
understand the importance of solid waste management in a learning institution. The findings
of this study will benefit the university’s facility management unit in terms of proposing
recommendations or suggestions for the improvement of solid waste management in
university to improve students’ quality of life in campus and to work towards campus greening.

Keywords: solid waste management, waste disposal, KAP, environmental awareness,

undergraduate students

iii
 ABSTRAK

KAJIAN PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP DAN AMALAN PENGURUSAN SISA PEPEJAL DI

KALANGAN PELAJAR SARJANA MUDA SAINS KESIHATAN DI UITM PUNCAK ALAM

Pengurusan sisa pepejal merupakan aspek yang amat penting dalam mencapai kelestarian
alam sekitar di sesebuah institusi akademik, terutamanya di universiti yang kebanyakan sisa
pepejal dijana oleh pelajar yang menetap di kolej kediaman dalam kampus. Kajian ini akan
menyiasat hubungan antara pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan (KAP) pelajar sains kesihatan
terhadap pengurusan sisa pepejal. Objektif penyelidikan ini adalah untuk memastikan tahap
kesedaran tentang pengurusan sisa pepejal, menentukan amalan mereka terhadap
pengurusan sisa pepejal dari segi pengasingan, mengurangkan, mengguna semula, mengitar
semula, dan pelupusan sisa, serta menilai hubungan signifikan antara kesedaran tentang
pelajar dan amalan pengurusan sisa pepejal dalam kalangan pelajar prasiswazah sains
kesihatan di UiTM Puncak Alam. Penyelidikan ini melaksanakan reka bentuk kajian deskriptif
dan akan dijalankan sebagai kaedah kajian keratan rentas. Bagi tujuan penyelidikan, satu
kajian KAP akan dijalankan yang melibatkan 334 pelajar prasiswazah Fakulti Sains Kesihatan
UiTM Puncak Alam. Semua responden dipilih secara rawak dan akan mengambil bahagian
dalam penyelidikan atas kehendak mereka sendiri. Penyelidikan ini adalah relevan untuk
populasi umum universiti kerana ia akan membantu mereka memahami kepentingan
pengurusan sisa pepejal dalam sesebuah institusi pembelajaran. Dapatan kajian ini akan
memberi manfaat kepada unit pengurusan fasiliti universiti dari segi pandangan dan memberi
cadangan penambahbaikan pengurusan sisa pepejal di universiti untuk meningkatkan kualiti
hidup pelajar di kampus dan berusaha ke arah penghijauan kampus.

Kata kunci: pengurusan sisa pepejal, pelupusan sisa, KAP, kesedaran alam sekitar,
prasiswazah

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Information

Solid waste management (SWM) includes the collection, transportation, disposal, and
treatment of waste materials. It refers to products generated from human activities, as well as
the procedures generally carried out to mitigate its impacts on health, the environment, and
aesthetics (Paghasian, 2017). It fosters economic development and better quality of life by
reducing or eliminating adverse effects on human health and the environment (Kiran, Kini,
Ravi, Santhosh, & Kiran, 2015).

According to internal data released by the Solid Waste Management and Public Health
Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), the waste produced in Malaysia accumulates to over
200,00 tonnes in household waste since the start of the first Movement Control Order (MCO)
in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Adam, 2021). As a matter of fact, in 2020,
Selangor alone had recorded the highest scheduled waste in 2019 at 1019.9 thousand tonnes
which contributes to 25.4 percent as compared to other states (Department of Statistics
Malaysia, 2021).

With regards to today’s polluted world, understanding how to properly dispose of waste
has become crucial. The attitude of people towards rubbish will alter as a result of increased
awareness on solid waste management (Bautista, 2019). Environmental awareness alongside
the participation of students in solid waste practices such as the 3R concept and segregation
of waste will allow for an effective and long-term adoption of proper waste management
practices. Improper waste management will result in a slew of environmental concerns,
including water pollution, air pollution, and various health hazards. Additionally, negative
mindset towards waste and waste handlers can also be considered as social barriers to
effective waste management. Littering could also be caused by the absence of penalties or
consistent enforcement for improper waste disposal, and lack of knowledge of the
consequences of littering to the environment and social aspect (Starovoytova & Namango,
2018).

Municipal solid waste management is a basic sanitation service that is essential for the
health of both urban and rural communities as well as environmental protection. The
Malaysian government is working to enhance environmental protection and integrate its solid

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waste management systems as part of its 'Vision 2020' initiative, and the enactment of the
National Strategic Plan for Solid Waste Management has been a key step towards reaching
that goal (Desa, Abd Kadir, & Yusooff, 2012). While the National Recycling Program that was
executed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government has helped to raise public
awareness about the importance of resource conservation, public reaction has been
unfortunately unsatisfactory (Local Government Department, 2005). Hence, formal education
for sustainable development, at all levels of education, is required to sustain solid waste or
environmental challenges in developing nations and is capable of triggering a complete
societal shift (Debrah, Vidal, & Dinis, 2021).

Academic institutions that provide opportunities for implementation of SWM programs

such as waste reduction and recycling, signifies an essential step towards achieving campus
greening which can effectively improve the quality of campus life for university students
(Smyth, Fredeen, & Booth, 2010). Several institutions have already adopted sustainable solid
waste management practises and have been recognized as green universities. University of
Malaysia Sabah (UMS), University of Malaya (UM) and the National University of Malaysia
(UKM) are among examples (Tiew, et al., 2019). Universities, in particular, are required to
spearhead initiatives towards responsible waste management. This is due to the fact that
students are expected to be leaders in the environmental conservation movement as they
have a moral and ethical commitment to act responsibly towards the environment (de Vega,
Benítez, & Barreto, Solid waste characterization and recycling potential for a university
campus, 2008). In addition, adequate waste management could benefit the university by
reducing funds allocated to waste management, but most importantly, it would set a pioneering
example for students and the community in general.

Therefore, in this paper, we attempt to analyse the knowledge, attitude, and practice
in the area of solid waste management among undergraduate health sciences student in UiTM
Puncak Alam. The findings of this research might play an important role in improving the
management strategy of solid waste in the study area.

1.2 Problem Statement

The amount of waste generated in academic institutions everyday correlates to the

increasing number of students which shows an ever-increasing growing pattern. Residential
colleges, cafeterias, faculties, and administration blocks are the most common sources of

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waste generation. The majority producers of waste include students, academic and non-
academic personnel, and visitors.

Solid waste is a public health issue concerning hygiene and sanitation. The sight of
overflowing bins and uncollected trash in waste bins produced not just foul odour but also
holds an unpleasant scenery too. Solid waste is a critical environmental problem in Malaysia,
as can be seen from the littering by the roadsides, and drains clogged up with rubbish, or
overflowing with dirty debris. Despite the vast amount and complexity of waste generated,
waste management standards in Malaysia, particularly in academic institutions, remain
inadequate. The lack of awareness and knowledge among Malaysian students about solid
waste management (SWM) issues, as well as their ignorance of the consequences of poor
SWM, has exacerbated the situation (Desa, Abd Kadir, & Yusooff, 2011).

In many societies, unsanitary solid waste disposal is regarded as one of the most
serious issues in public health. The issue of waste management can arise when there is no
effort for the application of formal and informal SWM environmental education awareness
program (Ehrampoush & Moghadam, 2005). The execution of such program is crucial to
rapidly educate Malaysian students and encourage the development of environmentally
friendly community waste practices.

Similarly, it has been suggested that basic solid waste management (SWM)
approaches are typically overlooked at an individual level. Although most people are aware of
the detrimental effects of improper waste management on the environment, their negative
attitude, along with a lack of environmental awareness among individuals, frequently leads to
poor SWM practises (Barloa, Lapie, & de la Cruz, 2016). Considering the seriousness of
proper solid waste management, the aim of this research is to assess the knowledge,
attitudes, practice, behaviour, and awareness status concerning solid waste management
(SWM) among undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam. It is critical for
academic institutions to develop high awareness on SWM. There is no study, in particular,
that deals with evaluating the level of awareness of the students and their practices towards
SWM in UiTM Puncak Alam, which makes this study beneficial.

1.3 Research Questions

The research question formulated will be an important first step that serves as a guide
for this study. These research questions have a significant role in the research process as a

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step that helps to prevent undisciplined data collection and analysis (Bryman, 2007).
Therefore, the research questions are stated as follows:

Research Question 1: What are the common solid waste management practices carried out
by undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam?

Research Question 2: What is the environmental awareness of undergraduate health sciences

students in UiTM Puncak Alam on solid waste management?

Research Question 3: How does the knowledge and awareness of the students affect their
attitude and practices of solid waste management especially on the
practice of waste segregation and 3R concept?

1.4 Research Objective

A knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study will be carried out among
undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam in order to assess and analyse
their perception towards solid waste management. To accomplish this goal, this study will be
set to meet a few objectives as stated below:

Objective 1: To ascertain the level of awareness on solid waste management of

undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam.

Objective 2: To determine their practices on solid waste management in terms of

segregation, reduce, reuse, recycle, and disposal.

Objective 3: To evaluate the significant relationship between the awareness of the students
and their practices on solid waste management among undergraduate health
sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam.

1.5 Hypothesis

The hypotheses of this research are based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour in
which it is a psychological theory that connects beliefs to behaviours. The theory reasoned
that an individual’s behavioural intentions are shaped by three core elements, namely attitude,
subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control (Ajzen, 1991). Hence, this article will
formulate the following hypotheses:

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Hypothesis 1: The lack of environmental awareness among students affects their perception
of the importance of proper solid waste management.

Hypothesis 2: The lack of knowledge on solid waste management influences the attitude and
practices of solid waste management among the students.

1.6 Definition of Terms

1.6.1 Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP)

In the 1950s, knowledge, attitude, and practise (KAP) surveys were initially
used to investigate how different communities around the world received,
comprehended, and practised the notion of family planning (Launiala, 2009). The basic
concepts of the KAP surveys are that knowledge develops attitude, and both
knowledge and attitude are the foundations for practise. KAP surveys are used for
three primary purposes, namely, as a diagnostic instrument to describe the present
knowledge of the population, attitude, and practise, to provide insights into a current
situation in order to create intervention strategies, and to assess the efficacy of specific
interventions or programs (Vandamme, 2009). Human behaviour has been studied
using KAP surveys in a variety of sectors, including health, community development,
child protection, and education. KAP surveys have been widely utilised in the field of
environmental studies to assess the public's knowledge, attitude, and practise on
problems relating to environmental awareness (Ahmad, Md. Noor, & Ismail, 2015),
solid waste disposal, and recycling (Ehrampoush & Moghadam, 2005). Even though
KAP surveys have been criticised in the past for their reliability, validity, and
measurement of intensity of opinion or attitude, the surveys in general are broadly
acknowledged as a conceptual basis for analysing the public's awareness,
understanding, and willingness to participate on a given issue (Launiala, 2009;
Vandamme, 2009). The findings on students' environmental knowledge, attitudes, and
behaviours towards sustainable environment practices could provide a useful
framework for efficiently conveying environmental knowledge to students at higher
learning institutions.

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1.6.2 Solid Waste

Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 defined solid waste
as any scrap material or other unwanted surplus substance or rejected products
generated from the application of any process, any substance required to be disposed
of as being broken, worn out, contaminated, or spoiled, and material that is required
by the authority to be disposed of. However, it does not include scheduled wastes,
sewage, or radioactive wastes. Any non-liquid waste produced by individuals, homes,
small enterprises, or organisations outside of the waste generated within cities are
regarded as solid waste. Its unregulated disposal can have negative consequences for
public health and the environment (Debrah, Vidal, & Dinis, 2021). In this study, solid
waste refers to the waste generated by the general population of UiTM Puncak Alam
which includes primarily domestic waste such as paper, plastic, aluminium, and
organic wastes.

1.6.3 Solid Waste Management (SWM)

Solid waste management is a discipline concerned with the control of solid

waste generation, storage, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal
(Sreenivasan, Govindan, Chinnasami, & Kadiresu, 2012). SWM in Malaysia
commenced in 1988 with the initiation of the Action Plan for Clean and Beautiful
Malaysia. The government is putting more focus on sustainable development and
waste management as one of the primary components of the 8th and 9th Malaysia
Plan, which is still being thoroughly studied and revised (Abd Manaf, Abu Samah, &
Mohd Zukki, 2009). SWM helps to boost economic development and quality of life by
reducing or eliminating negative effects on the environment and human health. In order
to efficiently manage garbage for a municipality, a variety of processes are required.
Monitoring, collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal are among
the services provided (Kiran, et al., 2015). Effective SWM requires a thorough
understanding of the composition of waste as well as the operations that control its
production in the first place. Analysing waste by source is especially crucial because
the properties and composition of solid waste differ depending on its source (Smyth,
Fredeen, & Booth, 2010).

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Waste Management in Universities

Waste is an unavoidable, unwanted material resulting from human activity

(Periathamby, 2011). It is produced by all human and animal habitats. Waste can be
categorised as a solid, liquid, or gas, and is regarded useless or worthless materials, things to
be thrown away, or anything that no longer has any purpose used by humans within a specific
area. Sludge, rubbish, refuse, and other solid materials are all examples of solid waste. SW
from mining, agriculture, electronic, industrial, and municipal waste, which comprises
of domestic and commercial operations, is also included.

Waste management initiatives in higher education institutions in developed nations

have been around for more than two decades and range from voluntary and local efforts to
institutional programmes (de Vega, Ojeda-Benitez, & Ramiez-Barreto, 2003). Some recycling
and waste reduction projects in higher education have been quite successful. According to
Ehrampoush and Moghadam (2005), more than half of the students (59 percent) agreed that
recycling was the best way for disposing of solid wastes, which is consistent with other findings
(Amini & Ramazani, 2001).

2.2 Students’ Knowledge and Awareness of Solid Waste Management

Being aware of natural cycles is a big step toward building a sense of connection to
the natural world. This will be the first step in bringing environmental awareness to the public.
According to (Vaghef & Shobeiri, 2018), environmental education is an area of study that aims
to raise citizen knowledge and comprehension of the environment, as well as the relationship
between men and the environment and the necessary actions of responsibility to ensure
survival, all while increasing the standard of living. In most poor nations, students' SWM
knowledge and awareness are critical for waste sustainability. Early childhood experiences
have been demonstrated to influence children's cognitive and emotional benefits, as well as
the development of long-term environmental attitudes and behaviors, according to some
researchers (Evans, et al., 2006; San Jose & Nelson, 2017; Wells & Lekies, 2006).

7
Additionally, awareness on environmental concerns helps the youth understand the ecological
and human impacts on the environment (Evans, et al., 2006).

Tikka, Kuitunen & Tynys (2000) found that education has an impact on environmental
awareness and attitudes. Due to a lack of teachers' understanding, most pupils lack the
practical information to enable proper waste management in their schools and, at home, to
influence their families' knowledge. Environmental education has been taught in schools in
recent years, although teachers' practical knowledge of environmental issues is limited. As a
result, there are gaps that lead to lower requirements in waste management for long-term
sustainability. According to Panko & Sharma (2016), immersing students in environmental
education practicalities, such as garbage management, improves their comprehension of the
larger principle of knowledge and attitudes to be obtained. When a purposeful effort is made
to expand the curriculum levels of education and teachers, as well as providing the essential
training in practically conveying knowledge and raising awareness in students, sustainable
and effective waste management can be achieved. To ensure the long-term sustainability of
solid waste management, governments must enforce waste segregation at all levels of schools
for improved behavioural and attitudinal transformation, as well as bridge the knowledge gap
between the elderly and the young in waste management (Debrah, Vidal, & Dinis, 2021).

2.3 The Relation Between Students’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on SWM

The students' knowledge and attitude were favourably connected with their level of
practice, according to Barloa et al. (2016). The students' tendency to use resources as little
as possible was strongly linked to their knowledge and attitude scores. Reuse of solid wastes
such as plastic/glass bottles, cans, and paper, as well as rainwater, was linked to satisfying
knowledge but not to attitude; nevertheless, preference for rechargeable batteries over
disposable batteries was linked to positive attitudes. Tatlonghari & Jamias (2010) also found
strong positive connections between knowledge and practice level, with respondents with
higher knowledge ratings being more likely to practise good solid waste management.
Similarly, a teenage study found that having a pro-environmental attitude predicts pro-
environmental action (Meinhold & Malkus, 2005).

On the other hand, students from 16 Malaysian higher education institutions

participated in an environmental-KAP survey, which yielded somewhat different results
(Ahmad, Md. Noor, & Ismail, 2015). It was discovered that knowledge and attitude did not
always lead to environmentally beneficial activities. The study revealed the complexities of the

8
relationships between students' KAP and environmental sustainability (Ahmad, Md. Noor, &
Ismail, 2015). Ifegbesen (2010) reported similar findings in a knowledge-practice level
assessment conducted in Ogun State, Nigeria whereby secondary school pupils from the
studied zones were generally aware of garbage concerns in their school compounds, but they
also exhibited inadequate waste management methods.

In addition, another community study conducted in Angles City, Pampanga,

Philippines, revealed an apparent break in the knowledge-attitude-practices continuum. It was
demonstrated that having a good understanding of environmental concerns and a positive
attitude toward them did not always translate into environmentally beneficial activities
(Tatlonghari & Jamias, 2010). In addition, despite their findings on the apparent connection
between knowledge and practice levels, it has been discovered that there are no related
evidence between attitude and practice.

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study Design

The study design that will be used in this research is descriptive which is a cross
sectional study. Descriptive research design is a type of research methodology that aims to
collect data in order to describe a situation which is knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP)
on solid waste management among undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak
Alam in a systematic manner. The research study will be conducted by distributing
questionnaires via online platforms via Whatsapp, Telegram, Facebook, or e-mail. The data
and information will be obtained by using questionnaires that will be answered by the
respondents. This design has been selected to accomplish the objective of this research. This
study will involve 334 respondents from undergraduate health sciences students of UiTM
Puncak Alam from different courses from the Faculty of Health Sciences who will be answering
the questionnaires voluntarily.

3.2 Setting

The research setting refers to the place where the data of the study will be collected.
In this research study, the data will be collected at UiTM Puncak Alam. UiTM Puncak Alam is
a public university which provides residential facilities to students. Therefore, UiTM Puncak
Alam can be used as the research study setting in order to determine the knowledge, attitude
and practices on solid waste management among undergraduate health sciences students.

3.3 Sampling Design and Sample Size

The study sample will be selected by using the simple random method design. It is one
of the probability sampling techniques. Probability sampling is a sampling technique in which
the subjects of the population get an equal opportunity to be selected as a representative
sample. 334 undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam were chosen
among all undergraduate students in this study to answer the questionnaire voluntarily. As a
result, the sample that is highly representative will be obtained from the randomization of

10
undergraduate health sciences students that are studying in UiTM Puncak Alam. Table 3.1
shows the number of students in each course in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UiTM
Puncak Alam.

Table 3.1: Number of students in each course in the Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Puncak Alam.

Courses in Faculty of Health Sciences Number of students

Environmental Health and Safety 418

Medical Laboratory Technology 277

Medical Imaging 92

Nursing 314

Nutrition and Dietetic 164

Occupational Therapy 183

Optometry 210

Physiotherapy 365
Total 2023

Sample size calculation will be calculated using Slovin’s formula as follows:

N
n=
1 + Ne2

Where; n = sample size

N = size of sample

e = margin of error

2023
n=
1 + 2023 (0.05)2

n = 334

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 Since simple random sampling are chosen as the sampling design, Slovin's formula
would work to calculate the sample size. In addition, there is no information on a population's
behaviour. Slovin's formula enables a researcher to sample a population with a high level of
precision. Slovin's formula tells the researcher how big the sample size needs to be to get a
respectable level of accuracy out of the data (Ellen, 2020). Thus, the final sample size for this
research study is 334 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

3.4 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

3.4.1 Inclusion criteria

The inclusion criteria in this study related to demographic characteristics such

as gender, age, number of occupants in the house, occupation as well as education
level and solid waste management including type of solid waste, proper way of waste
disposal and others related to this research study. Inclusion criteria in this study
research involves undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences in UiTM
Puncak Alam only. Only voluntary undergraduate health sciences students from UiTM
Puncak Alam will be involved in this study research.

3.4.2 Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria in this study research not involving undergraduate students

from other faculties such as Faculty of Pharmacy and Faculty of Business and
Management. Undergraduate health sciences students who are not participating
voluntarily with this research study are not required to answer the distributed
questionnaire.

3.5 Data Measurement

There are four types of data measurement or also known as measurement variables
which are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio variables. A measurement variable is an
unknown attribute that can accept one or more values and measures a specific thing. It is
frequently employed in scientific study. Intended for this study, measurement variables chosen
are nominal variables. For instance, a participant's personal details are a nominal variable. A
nominal variable's answers can be classified into two or more groups. Gender, for example, is
a nominal variable that can take only male or female choices of responses.

12
 This study also implemented nominal variable classification based on close-ended
data collection techniques. The type of response a respondent can offer to the questions
posed is limited using this technique. The respondent can choose from a set of predetermined
choices in a questionnaire. For example, the participants were asked how they would evaluate
the state of solid waste collection in your house area and the choices given in the questionnaire
are good, fair, not good, or not applicable.

3.6 Ethical Consideration or Approval

A set of principles that influence study designs and procedures are known as ethical
considerations in research. These factors contribute to the protection of study participants'
rights, the improvement of research validity, and the preservation of scientific integrity
(Bhandari, 2021). For this study, we will implement voluntary participation. This means without
any pressure; all research respondents will have the option to refuse participation. Besides,
it has been emphasized to participants that refusing to engage has no negative effects or
implications. Everyone in the study has the option to withdraw or quit at any time without
feeling obligated to do so. There are no requirements for participants to give a reason for their
withdrawal from the trial.

3.7 Data Collection

The data will be collected through questionnaires that will be distributed to the
undergraduate health sciences students. The questionnaires are in the form of Google Form.
334 respondents involved with this study research will answer the questionnaires that will be
distributed through online platforms. Refer to flowchart in Appendix 2.

3.8 Data and Statistical Analysis

The data and information that will be obtained from the questionnaire will be analysed
by using Microsoft Excel and documented in Microsoft Word. Microsoft Excel is a convenient
software for data entry and capable of doing basic data computation as well as statistical
analysis. Several charts, graphs and tables will be created through Microsoft Excel and
Microsoft Word from the data and information obtained from the questionnaire. All data

13
analysed in the form of charts, tables and graphs will make it easier for researchers to discern
patterns and formulate principles that can guide future actions.

3.9 Expected Outcomes

This study research will address the awareness of the undergraduate health sciences
students in UiTM Puncak Alam on solid waste management. It mainly focuses on the level of
awareness on solid waste management, their practices on waste management in terms of
waste segregation, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R concept) as well as waste disposal
methods. Thus, the expected outcomes for this research are presumed that the lack of
environmental awareness among undergraduate health sciences students will affect their
perception of the significance of proper solid waste management. In addition, the lack of
knowledge on solid waste management will influence the attitude and practices of solid waste
management among undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM Puncak Alam.

3.10 Limitations of the Study

The study involves 334 respondents from UiTM Puncak Alam students which consists
of different courses that are willing to be respondents by answering questionnaires for this
study via online. The limitation for this study is that we will only cover UiTM Puncak Alam
undergraduate health sciences students as our respondents even though all undergraduate
university students should be involved with the solid waste management practices. Besides,
only students will be involved in this research study on the knowledge, attitude and practices
on solid waste management in UiTM Puncak Alam despite other personnel such as lecturers,
facility management, and campus visitors in UiTM Puncak Alam can be involved with this
research study.

3.11 Timeframe for the Project

Refer to Appendix 3 for Gantt chart.

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APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Questionnaire formulated through Google Form.

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Appendix 2: Flowchart of data collection method.

Distribution of Questionnaire

The questionnaire will be distributed to

undergraduate health sciences students in UiTM
Puncak Alam.

Data Collection

The data will be collected after 2 weeks of

distribution.

Distribution of Questionnaire

• Data will be analysed using Microsoft Excel

and documented in Microsoft Word.
• Determine their KAP through data analysis.

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Appendix 3: Gantt chart for the timeframe of the project.

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