Predictive Factors of Waste Disposal Behaviours Among University Undergraduates: Implications for Public Health and the Realization of Sustainable Development Goals (Sdgs)

Background Waste disposal practice is associated with several factors and health outcomes among undergraduates. As part of several of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), waste disposal practice remains central to its realization by the year 2030. In addition, the university being one of the health promotion settings remains a viable place for positive waste behavioural change among the students if properly explored. Therefore, this study explores the knowledge, attitude, and practice of waste disposal and its predictive factors among Fountain University Students. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 30. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (stepwise approach of linear regression) were conducted and the data were presented in tables and charts. Results The mean age of the respondents is 20.66 ± 1.51, and the majority (36.8%) were from the College of Natural Sciences, the Department of Biochemistry (23.1%), and were in 200 level (40.9%). Papers/cardboard (21.4%) constituted most of the waste generated. The respondents had a good knowledge of waste disposal (71%); positive attitudinal disposition (89%) towards waste disposal; and good waste disposal practice (84.3%). Only gender was the predictive factor for both the respondents’ knowledge level (F = 4.539, P = 0.034) and attitude (F = 5.113, P = 0.024); while the types of waste generated predicted the respondents’ waste disposal practice (F = 5.482, P = 0.020). Conclusion To sustain the good waste disposal practices, well-labelled waste bins should be placed strategically on campus to encourage sorting with the creation of SDGs club among the students.