Awareness, Pro-environmental Behaviours, and Strategies for Mitigation of Plastic Pollution among Nursing Students in the United Arab Emirates

Background: The healthcare sector plays a significant role in the control and mitigation of plastic pollution-associated threats to the environment and human health. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the awareness, pro-environmental behaviors, and strategies for mitigating plastic pollution among nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 210 undergraduate nursing students using a structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used to recruit study participants. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Results: The results of the study revealed that the majority of nursing students (71%) had moderately adequate levels of awareness regarding plastic pollution, whereas 70.48% of the students engaged in inadequate levels of pro-environmental behaviors. Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate the necessity of reinforcing nursing students regarding the reduction of plastic pollution through specific policies and educational involvement. These measures would contribute to further initiatives and encouragement of their student period, future nursing practice, and patient safety at all levels.