Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior in Household Solid Waste Management in Northern Vietnam

Rapid urbanization and population growth in Northern Vietnam have exacerbated in domestic solid waste (DSW), posing environmental challenges. Law on environmental protection (2020) promoting source separation, a disconnect persists between policy and public action. This study addresses this gap by employing a Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior (KAB) approach to conduct a novel regional analysis of DSW management practices. A stratified random sampling design was utilized, with 1,000 people participating from five different regions of Northern Vietnam: delta rural areas, mountainous rural areas, coastal rural areas, tourism development areas, and urban areas. Data analytic techniques, including descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis, were employed to uncover factors that influence DSW management behavior in each location. The research revealed significant regional variations in KAB aspects of DSW services. While positive attitudes towards responsible SWM practices (80% of people) were evident, the number of factors influencing DSW management varied (3-6) across regions. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, guiding the development of targeted interventions that align with national law. This paves the way for more effective, regionally-tailored waste management practices in Vietnam.