Electronic Waste: Awareness and Practices Related to Its Use, Disposal and Health Hazards amongst MBBS Students in a Tertiary Teaching Institute of Northeast India

Abstract

Background: Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing solid waste stream globally, yet public awareness about its health and environmental consequences remains suboptimal, especially in developing nations. Medical students represent a critical target group who will eventually counsel communities on environmental health.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness, disposal practices, and knowledge of health hazards pertaining to e-waste among undergraduate MBBS students at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Guwahati.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 507 MBBS students across all four phases at GMCH using a pre-validated, structured questionnaire administered online. The questionnaire assessed general e-waste awareness, disposal practices, and knowledge of health hazards. Responses were scored and classified into low, moderate, and high knowledge categories. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between educational phase and knowledge domains.

Results: Of 507 participants, 83.0% were aware of the concept of e-waste and 93.1% correctly identified heavy metals as the main pollutant. Overall, 43.6% demonstrated moderate e-waste awareness, 61.5% showed moderate disposal knowledge, and 37.7% had moderate health hazard knowledge. Only 4.1% reported the availability of a dedicated e-waste pick-up service in their area. The most common barrier to recycling was the absence of a proper pickup service (53.5%). Significant associations were observed between the educational phase and both e-waste awareness (χ²=96.88, p<0.001) and health hazard knowledge (χ²=35.96, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Despite reasonable conceptual awareness, actionable knowledge regarding safe disposal and specific health hazards remains deficient among MBBS students. Integration of environmental health modules covering e-waste management into the medical curriculum is strongly recommended.