URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN URBAN COMMUNITIES: PERCEIVED SEVERITY OF WASTE-RELATED PROBLEMS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH OLDER ADULTS’ WELL-BEING IN A CASE STUDY IN BANGKOK

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the situation of waste management in urban communities, household waste management behaviors, and their relationships with the well-being of older adults in Bangkok, Thailand. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 169 older adults using a structured questionnaire covering perceived waste-related problems, severity of environmental issues, household waste segregation behaviors, and health impacts. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that although most participants regularly disposed of waste at designated community collection points, the segregation of specific waste types such as hazardous, infectious, and electronic waste remained limited, while recyclable waste was more likely to be separated. This reflects both structural constraints and behavioral limitations at the household level. In addition, the severity of waste-related problems was significantly associated with adverse health outcomes among older adults and served as a key predictor of health impacts. Spatial factors played a contextual role in reflecting exposure to environmental problems and contributed to a more comprehensive explanation of the outcomes. The study highlights the need to strengthen waste management systems in urban communities, particularly in the management of specific waste types, and to develop measures that consider the limitations of older adults as a vulnerable group. These efforts are essential for promoting long-term health and quality of life in aging urban societies.