en |
Public health implication of solid waste generated by households in Bekwarra Local Government area
Omang, Donald Ikwun; John, Godwin Egbe; Inah, Simon Alain & Bisong, Jude Owan
Abstract
Background: This study was conducted in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, to determine
the public health implication of solid waste generated by households.
Methods: A cross sectional descriptive design was employed, using a semi-structured questionnaire together with an observation
checklist to elicit information from the respondents. Proportionate sampling was used to select 400 respondents of
18 years and above for the study area. Data collected were analysed using the Microsoft Excel 2007 and Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.
Results: Respondents knowledge concerning solid waste disposal was assessed and the results showed that majority of the
respondents 193 (63.7%) had high level of knowledge of solid waste disposal, while 170 (42.5%) had average level of knowledge
of solid waste disposal. Wastes produced by households in the study include vegetables (95.5%), ash (94%), clothing/
rag (94.2%), wood (95%), and animal waste (86.2%) had the highest abundance. Diseases associated with these wastes produced
by households include cholera (18.2%), malaria (47.2%), lassa fever (10.7%) and diarrhea (23.9%) with malaria been
the most prevalence infection.
Conclusion: The result shows solid waste posed a serious health hazard and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. These
issues can be addressed through health education and enlightenment of the people on waste disposal.
Keywords
Municipal waste; public health; infection; health hazard; environmental pollution.
|