Srijuntrapun Patranit, Sirirungruang Issavara
Department of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Thailand.
Ratchasuda Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand.
PLoS One. 2024 Dec 30;19(12):e0315591. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315591. eCollection 2024.
Understanding the behavior and the challenges of visually impaired individuals in waste separation remains a significant research gap that affects the development of an inclusive and sustainable society. This research study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the waste separation behavior of visually impaired people and the key obstacles that these individuals face in public spaces. The study uses a quantitative approach, relying on surveys to gather data from a sample of 358 visually impaired individuals through the use of structured questionnaires. The data was then examined using multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that 91.1% possessed a moderate understanding of waste segregation, while 97.7% held generally positive attitudes toward the practice. Approximately 74.9% of the participants actively engaged in waste segregation at a moderate level. Motivation emerged as the most significant influence of proper waste management behavior, alongside attitude and knowledge. However, challenges persist in public settings, where 69.3% of participants discarded waste without regard to bin types, primarily due to difficulties in distinguishing bin colors and general ignorance. To better address their needs, participants recommended practical solutions, such as bins designed to be distinguishable by shape or sound, ensuring a more accessible and inclusive waste segregation system. This research can help in designing targeted interventions that promote sustainable waste management practices for visually impaired individuals. It can also provide valuable information to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working towards creating inclusive and accessible waste management environments and processes for people with visual impairments.
了解视障人士在垃圾分类中的行为和面临的挑战，仍然是一个重大的研究空白，这影响着包容性和可持续社会的发展。本研究旨在识别和分析影响视障人士垃圾分类行为的因素，以及这些人在公共场所面临的主要障碍。该研究采用定量方法，依靠调查通过结构化问卷从358名视障人士样本中收集数据。然后使用多元回归分析对数据进行检验。结果显示，91.1%的人对垃圾分类有一定程度的了解，而97.7%的人对这种做法总体持积极态度。约74.9%的参与者积极参与中等程度的垃圾分类。动机与态度和知识一样，成为正确垃圾分类行为的最显著影响因素。然而，在公共场所挑战依然存在，69.3%的参与者在丢弃垃圾时不考虑垃圾桶类型，主要原因是难以区分垃圾桶颜色和普遍缺乏了解。为了更好地满足他们的需求，参与者推荐了一些切实可行的解决方案，比如设计通过形状或声音可区分的垃圾桶，以确保建立一个对视障人士更便利、更具包容性的垃圾分类系统。这项研究有助于设计有针对性的干预措施，以促进视障人士的可持续垃圾分类实践。它还可以为致力于为视障人士创造包容性和无障碍垃圾分类环境及流程的研究人员、从业者和政策制定者提供有价值的信息。
