Practice of refuse disposal methods among residents of Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

Unlawful refuse disposal methods are a problem across villages, communities, and towns where mountains tops of refuse are dumped on roadsides, dump sites not approved by the government, in drainages systems and open places, causing a lot of threats to the health of the public in general and on the surrounding environment. This study was carried out to obtain baseline information regarding the practice of refuse disposal methods among residents of Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey in which 500 respondents were randomly selected from 7 communities within Emohua LGA. An adapted and revalidated questionnaire was used for the collection of data, and simple percentage, mean and standard deviation, independent sample t-test and a one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. The result of the study showed that the respondents had good practice of refuse disposal methods (M=2.55, SD=0.36). Age was not a significant factor in the practice of refuse disposal methods among residents of Emohua LGA (p>0.05). While the level of education and occupation are statistically significant factors in the practice of refuse disposal methods among residents of Emohua LGA (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed that the demographic profile of the residents has statistical significance differences in our various communities on the practice of refuse disposal methods hence residents' demographic profiles should be considered by health educators planning programmes on refuse disposal methods.