SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH AMONG RESIDENTS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Solid waste management remains an important environmental health concern because unsafe handling and disposal practices can create conditions that expose communities to physical, biological and chemical hazards. This study examined solid waste management practices and their effects on community health among residents of Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. A community-based descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among adults aged 18 years and above who had lived in the study area for at least six months. A sample of 384 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis at a 5% level of significance. Findings showed that poor solid waste management practices were common among respondents. Most participants did not practise waste segregation, while irregular waste collection, open dumping, open burning and disposal of refuse into drainage channels were reported. More than half of the respondents experienced waste-related environmental health concerns, including mosquito infestation, offensive odour, flies, rodents, respiratory discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms. Poor waste management practices were significantly associated with reported community health effects. The study concludes that inadequate waste management contributes to unhealthy environmental conditions and increased community health risks. Improved waste collection systems, household waste segregation, environmental health education and stronger sanitation enforcement are recommended.