Background: Due to their unique properties, plastics are characteristic of modern times. However, they can significantly threaten health, the environment, and the economy. Awareness of hazards and their causes is an essential step toward their prevention.
Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the public's knowledge and practice regarding plastic bags use and disposal and to identify their associated sociodemographic factors.
Methods: This online cross-sectional study was conducted from 8th May to December 31st, 2022. A validated questionnaire included a sociodemographic profile and questions to measure participants' knowledge and practice regarding the use and disposal of plastic bags. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to detect significant predictors of knowledge and practice.
Results: A total of 635 participated in the study. Nearly all participants (99.7%) regularly used plastic bags in their homes. More than half of the participants (57.2%) had good knowledge about the use and hazards of plastic bags, and most (73.1%) had good disposal practices. Being young (AOR 2.58) or a female (AOR 2.62) significantly predicted good knowledge. The significant predictors of good practices were being older (AOR 1.71), a male (AOR 3.51), or with higher education (AOR 2.79).
Conclusions: A good percentage of Egyptian adults have adequate knowledge about plastic bags and their hazards and favorable disposal practices. Age and gender were significant predictors of both. However, there is still a need for interventions and activities that can raise public awareness and promote better practices. Legislation prohibiting plastic bag production, distribution, and use is highly recommended.