Comparison of peer and instructor training techniques on waste separation behavior at source amongst female students in Iran

The knowledge and a change of attitude are crucial in improving people's behavior towards waste separation at source, which is a priority in solid waste management. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the effects of Peer Education (PE) and Instructor- Based Training (IBT) on knowledge, attitude, and behavior related to Solid Source Waste Separation (SWS) amongst female students. This quasi-experimental study was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, involving 204 female students in Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 64), intervention group 1 (receiving PE, n = 64), and intervention group 2 (receiving IBT, n = 64). The students' knowledge, attitude, and SWS behavior were measured using an instrument before and one month after the intervention. There were no significant differences in scores of attitude (p = 0.064) and knowledge (p = 0.076) between intervention groups following the intervention. There was a significant increase (p = 0.001) in the mean behavior score in intervention group 1 (from 12.203 to 13.187) compared to intervention group 2 (from 11.359 to 11.640) after the intervention. The results indicated that training delivered by peers is more effective in fostering SWS behavior among schoolchildren than professional training delivered by an instructor.