You have been asked to conduct a pilot study and assess the people's knowledge, attitude, perception and practice regarding the disposal of solid waste in household residents in Assam. How would you conduct the study and evaluate it?

To address the growing challenge of municipal and rural waste, a KAPP (Knowledge, Attitude, Perception, and Practice) study is essential for designing evidence-based interventions under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. As the lead investigator, I would adopt a multi-stage, mixed-methods approach tailored to Assam’s unique socio-geographic landscape.

1. Study Design and Sampling (The “How”):

• Stratified Random Sampling: To ensure representative data, I would divide the study area into four strata: Urban (e.g., Guwahati/Dibrugarh), Rural, Tea Gardens, and Char (riverine) areas.

• Sample Size: A pilot study of 400–500 households across these strata to ensure statistical validity.

• Tools:

  • Structured Questionnaires: To measure Knowledge (awareness of wet/dry segregation) and Attitude (sense of responsibility).
  • Likert Scales: To assess Perception (waste as a health hazard vs. eyesore).
  • Direct Observation: A “waste audit” at the household level to verify actual Practice (composting vs. open dumping).

2. Implementation Strategy:

• Stakeholder Involvement: Involving Gaon Burhas (village heads) in rural areas and Ward Members in urban areas to build trust.
• Language & Culture: Questionnaires will be bilingual (Assamese/English or Bengali/Bodo) to ensure clarity.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Engaging with Mothers’ Groups and SHGs to understand socio-cultural barriers to waste segregation.

3. Evaluation and Analysis:

• Quantitative Analysis: Using statistical software to correlate education/income levels with waste disposal practices.
• Gap Analysis: Identifying the “Knowledge-Practice Gap”—e.g., why households aware of segregation still practice mixed disposal.
• Thematic Coding: Analyzing qualitative data from FGDs to identify local challenges like lack of municipal collection or terrain difficulties in hill districts.

Conclusion: The study will culminate in a Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) Roadmap. By identifying whether the bottleneck is a lack of “Knowledge” or a negative “Attitude,” the government can shift from generic slogans to targeted “Nudges,” such as community-led composting in rural Assam or decentralized waste-to-wealth centers in urban hubs.