“Plastic, an ugly word”

: A qualitative study on women’s perceptions, behavior and health literacy in relation to plastic

Abstract

Previous research shows that plastic may pose a serious health threat by negatively impacting the environment and by exposing humans to toxic chemicals and microplastics. There are indications that women are subjected to higher levels of plastic exposure and that they may have a heightened vulnerability with regards to chemical emissions. The purpose of this study was to explore Malmö women’s thoughts and experiences regarding exposure to-, consumption of- and the usability of plastic materials and objects, with focus on health and sustainability aspects. A qualitative method was applied and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Six interviews were conducted with women between the ages of 25-34, situated in the central parts of Malmö stad, Sweden. A qualitative content analysis was used with inductive reasoning, resulting in four main categories; General perceptions, Behavioral motivators, Waste behavior and Information and plastic (health) literacy. The findings indicate that plastic is deeply ingrained in the lives of women, valued for its practicality. Overall, the study suggests that women may have limited awareness of the health and environmental implications of plastic exposure –and of their role as important stakeholders in addressing the challenges associated with plastic consumption and waste management. Further research is needed to explore the intricate relationship between plastic exposure and health, considering a broader range of health determinants and behavioral aspects.

Date of Award	2023-Jun
Original language	English
Supervisor	Åsa Bringsén (Supervisor) & Petra Nilsson Lindström (Examiner)