Full title: A research study on KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice) Analysis of "Plastic Food Contact Materials" among Health professionals and Non-Health professionals
Presented on April 28, 2022, by Drishya Pathak - POP (Protect our Planet) Movement - at the 2022 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference (ECEC22)
Plastic is widely used in daily life, especially as food and drink containers. But due to external factors and the properties of food stored in a plastic container some chemicals are known to release. These chemicals have evidence showing adverse effects on the endocrine system of the human body. The current study aims to understand the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) of Plastic Food Contact Materials (PFCM) use among Health professionals (Dentist, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, MBBS and Public Health) and non-Health professionals in Delhi NCR, India. The study comprised a qualitative design with the help of mixed tools to collect the responses. In-depth interviews, key informants’ interviews, and focused group discussions were conducted for better understanding. The inclusion criteria of the study participants were based on their educational background and experience in the field. During the study, it was observed that the knowledge of the study participants about PFCM is very limited despite having some knowledge about the leaching of chemicals into the stored food. Dissonance in the attitude of the professionals was evident due to a lack of awareness about the EDCs released through the PFC and the adverse effects these chemicals can cause.