Effect of Educational Program on Mothers’ Knowledge and Practices regarding Health Hazards of Plastic Use in Domestic Purposes

Hashish, Amal Moslhy Hamed; Elhossiny Elkazeh, Entisar; Fahmy, Neamat Mazloum Mohamed; Esmaiel, Nahla Said Mahmoud

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2025.443076

Effect of Educational Program on Mothers’ Knowledge and Practices regarding Health Hazards of Plastic Use in Domestic Purposes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

² Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

³ Assistant professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt

⁴ Assistant professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2025.443076

Abstract

Background: Plastic is used widely nowadays. It contains harmful compounds to
human health. So, mothers have to be aware of these hazards. Study aim: Was to
evaluate effect of educational program on mothers’ knowledge & practices
regarding health hazards of plastic use in domestic purposes. Study design:
Quasi-experimental research design. Study setting: The largest Maternal and
Child Health Care Centers at Tanta City (Medical center at Sigar & Dr. Mohamed
Mashaly center at Saied Street). Study subjects: Convenience sample of 166
mothers attending the previous setting. Study tools: Tool Ⅰ: including 2 parts:
part (1): Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers. Part (2): Knowledge of
mothers regarding plastic usage and its health hazards. Tool II: Self-reported
practices of mothers regarding plastic products use. Results: The program was
effective and improved their knowledge & practices regarding health hazards of
plastic use. For example, pre-program all of them gave incorrect and don’t know
answers regarding (health hazards of plastic use on women’s health) and after
program, more than half (60.2 %) of them had complete and correct answers. As
well as, pre-program, most (98.2 %) of them had unsatisfactory practices
regarding types of plastic products used and immediately after program, most
(90.4 %) of them had satisfactory practices. Conclusion: There was significant
improvement in their knowledge & practices about plastic usage and its health
hazards. Recommendation: Ongoing educational programs should be undertaken
to raise community awareness about health hazards of plastic use