ABSTRACT
The study investigated the knowledge and perceptions level of residents in the Oredo Local Government Area regarding plastic pollution and its effects on the environment. In order to attain the objectives of the study, two research questions were raised to guide the study. This study employed a descriptive survey research design to assess the knowledge on the effect of plastic pollution among residents in Oredo LGA. The design was chosen because it allows for the collection of data from a large sample size, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The population of this study consisted of all residents in Oredo LGA, Edo State, Nigeria. The LGA has a total population of approximately 374,966 people, according to the 2006 census. A sample size of 425 residents was selected for this study using a stratified random samplig technique. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. The stratification was based on the three wards in Oredo LGA, ensuring that the sample was representative of the population. A structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument for this study. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: Section A (demographic information), Section B (knowledge on plastic pollution), Section C (attitudes towards plastic pollution), and Section D (practices related to plastic pollution). The research instrument (questionnaire) was submitted to the research supervisor for scrutiny, suggestions and corrections. The research instrument was validated through a pilot study conducted among 20 residents in a nearby LGA. The pilot study ensured that the questions were clear, concise, and relevant to the research topic. The reliability of the research instrument was determined using the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The result showed a reliability coefficient of 0.85, indicating that the instrument was reliable for measuring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents regarding plastic pollution. Data collection was conducted through a face-to-face administration of the questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that Majority of resident in Oredo Local Government Area Nigeria do not have exposure to media campaigns on plastic pollution, Plastic pollution have not increased the knowledge level of Oredo Local Government Area resident on the pollution. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended amongst others: Government should embark on aggressive media campaign as they did during the outbreak of Ebola virus so that plastic pollution causes, prevention and treatment gets to the knowledge of every Nigerian especially the women, there should be renewed and sustained effort by the mass media in combating other health problems as findings have shown their potency in enhancing knowledge, influencing attitude and stimulating intended behaviour amongst others.
