Public health implication of solid waste generated by households in Bekwarra Local Government area

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.