International multicenter study of microplastic knowledge, attitudes, and practices among university students, residents, and fellows: a preliminary analysis

Abstract

Rationale Microplastics are small plastic particles formed through the fragmentation and degradation of plastic materials under physical, chemical, or biological processes. Recent evidence demonstrates that microplastics are detectable in human lung tissue, placenta, arterial plaques, and blood, as well as in both indoor and outdoor air, suggesting that continuous exposure occurs in everyday environments. Despite this emerging threat, public awareness of microplastics remains limited. Considering the influence of young adults on consumption behaviors and policy development, this study evaluates knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding microplastic exposure and health among university students, residents, and fellows across the world including the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. We aim to identify cultural, regional, and policy-related differences in environmental health literacy to inform and support global intervention strategies. Methods Residents, fellows, undergraduate students, and postgraduate students were invited to complete a 43-item anonymous survey assessing KAP regarding microplastics. The questionnaire included 14 knowledge, 14 attitude, and 15 practice items. Knowledge items were summarized as the percentages of different responses, while attitude and practice items, rated on 4-point Likert scales, were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviations. Undergraduate students and postgraduate were grouped as “students,” and their responses were analyzed together. Results from this group were compared to those of residents and fellows, who were categorized as “medical trainees,” to evaluate the potential effect of educational level. Results Nine teaching institutions participated in the study. Table 1 presents the recruitment status of each center. So far, a total of 195 participants completed the questionnaire, including 148 students and 47 medical trainees. In the knowledge section, the mean proportion of correct responses was 72% in both groups. Attitudes toward microplastics were generally positive, with a mean agreement score of 3.43 ± 0.24 among students and 3.38 ± 0.59 among medical trainees. On average, 92% of participants in both groups agreed or strongly agreed with the attitude statements. Reported practices related to microplastics were moderate, with mean practice scores of 2.55 ± 0.53 in the student group and 2.57 ± 1.01 in the medical trainee group. Conclusion Microplastic exposure represents an emerging environmental and public health concern, particularly for students and medical trainees. However, awareness and preventive practices to minimize microplastic exposure remain limited. Further studies are needed to assess the global variability of these practices and to identify the barriers preventing consistent microplastic-avoidance behaviors among students, medical learners, and healthcare professionals. This abstract is funded by: None