Exploring Attitudes Toward Environmental Conservation Among University Students in the Peruvian Amazon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Yolanda Paredes-Valverde , Rosel Quispe-Herrera , Edwin Gustavo Estrada-Araoz , Darwin Rosell Quispe-Paredes , Victor Sabidt Navarrete-Quispe , Yersi-Luis Huamán-Romaní , Gilber Chura-Quispe , Mauro Vela-Da Fonseca

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Abstract

Background/purpose. Attitudes toward environmental conservation have become a key factor in addressing global ecological challenges. Positive environmental attitudes play a crucial role in adopting sustainable practices. This study aimed to assess the attitudes of university students from the Peruvian Amazon toward environmental conservation.

Materials/methods. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 588 male and female university students. Participants responded to an Ad Hoc questionnaire designed to evaluate attitudes toward environmental conservation, which demonstrated adequate internal consistency.

Results. Most participants reported a very favorable (46.9%) or favorable (36.1%) attitude toward environmental conservation, while a smaller percentage showed an indifferent (11.9%), very unfavorable (2.7%), or unfavorable (2.4%) attitude. Regarding the dimensions, the cognitive aspect reflected the highest proportion of very favorable responses (61.9%), followed by the affective (50.3%) and behavioral (32.5%) dimensions. However, the behavioral dimension also showed a higher proportion of indifferent responses (16.3%). Statistically significant differences were found in attitudes toward environmental conservation according to the year of study.

Conclusion. University students from the Peruvian Amazon exhibit generally positive attitudes toward environmental conservation, particularly in the cognitive and affective dimensions. Nevertheless, a gap is evident in the behavioral dimension, as these attitudes do not always translate into concrete actions.

Keywords: environmental conservation, attitudes, students, sustainable development, higher education

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