Detergent Use Practices in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Abstract

Every year the use of detergent is increasing and safety concerns about detergent are also increasing. However, in developing countries safety concerns about detergent is still a neglected topic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the general public towards the use of detergent. An online-based cross-sectional study was performed via sharing self-developed online KAP questionnaires and filled out by participants. The basic knowledge about detergent, its safety concern, and other related questions were used for the KAP assessments. A total of 510 participants took part in this study. The participants had mixed responses to the questions such as; [1]  the majority were using powder detergent (87.45%); [2] perceptions about detergent (an agent for cleansing clothes (48.04%), a chemical agent (39.02%)); [3] the purpose of using detergent (to remove dirt (48.04%), for easiness of cleaning (45.1%)); [4] the cost of detergent (affordable (80%), expensive (10.98%)); [5] the selection of detergent (based on previous satisfaction (60.98%), brand name (19.02%));  [6] cause of not using particular brand detergent next time is (poor quality (75.1%), expensive (18.04%)); [7] mostly used brands (Wheel (35.69%), Ghadi (16.08%) and Patanjali (7.06%)); [8] safety concerns (only 8.82% used gloves during using detergent and only 50% realized the detergent can harm their skin, 67.84% have awareness that the detergent contaminates the environment, 10% experienced dryness of skin, 0.98% redness/allergy)); [9] 77.06% don’t have a washing machine; [10] soaking practice (21.37% start washing immediately after the addition of detergent, only 32.16% soak clothes for 20 to 60 minutes)); [11] waste water management (80.4% throw the detergent waste water to the normal sewage, 19.6% throw separately); [12] 37.45% always use soap along with powder detergent while washing clothes; [13] detergent stability problem (absorb moisture and get wet easily (64.31%) color change (16.08%) and dryness (10.78%)); [14] 28.63% prefer colorful detergent and 42.94% observed the color transfer from detergent to clothes; only 37.45% have experience of using herbal detergent; [15] laundry detergent also used for other purposes (wash dishes (19.61%), to wash hands (5.49%) and even body washing (1.76%)); [16] 19.61% of the participants’ mothers wash their clothes; [17] the majority of the participants realized the dirtiness of country people is due to poverty (58.04%). This study shows moderate awareness regarding the KAP of detergent use, management, and toxicity. Therefore, it can be derived that continuous education is needed about detergent.