ASSESSING THE AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF THE INHABITANTS CLOSE TO A SOLID WASTE DUMPSITE TOWARDS HUMAN INTESTINAL PARASITE IN ABA MUNICIPAL, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Solid waste management has remained a major problem in most developing nations, Nigeria inclusive thus posing serious public health issues to those living around such solid waste dumpsites. This study was conducted in Aba dumpsite to investigate the residents’ awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice on the solid waste disposal practices and its effect consequences towards human intestinal parasite. A structured questionnaire was administered to elicit the resident responses on their knowledge, attitude and practices towards solid waste disposal and human intestinal parasites. In the study, majority of the residents’ were male 296(70.0%), and 127(30.0%) were females. Most of them 103(24.3%) were of the age group 11 – 20years, then 93(22.0%) 0 – 10 years, 84(19.9%) 21 – 30 years, 75(17.7%) 31–40years, 41(9.7%) and 27(6.4%) were 51 and above. Majority 155(36.6%) of the residents’ attended Primary education, 123(29.1%) Secondary education, 78(18.4%) Polytechnics, and 41(9.7%) University while 26(6.1%) had no educational qualification. Most of the residents 121(28.6%) have stayed less than 9 years while 85(20.1%) have stayed less than 6 years. Most of the respondents 159(37.6%) resides closer to the dumpsite while 37(8.7%) are farther apart. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that majority (87.5%) of the residents are aware that they are at risk of contracting human intestinal parasite for living close to the site. Most 365(86.3%) know that intestinal parasites can be contracted through poor hygiene. Majority 197(46.6%) dispose waste at the dumpsite daily. Most of the respondents 216(51.1%) disagreed to the fact that wastes at the site are managed regularly. Majority 329(77.8%) agreed that one can get the parasites from dumpsite. The dumpsite workers strongly agreed 11(78.6%) that increase in industrialization and consumption of fresh raw was the major factor militating them against their level of efficiency in the management of waste at the dumpsite. Wastes not properly managed have a negative impact on health, environment and aesthetic values. A well-planned waste management and proper health education programme for residents living around the dumpsite will go a long way in reducing the potential of epidemic risks posed by dumpsites in Aba municipal.