TITLE:
Public Attitude towards Sanitation Practices in Effurun and Environs, Delta State, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Godwin Johuel Birma, Kayode Olalere Odeniyi, Uche Rita, Chisom Judith Alaukwu, Mercy Irefo, Ekaette Akpan Fadairo, Ovri A. Apollos
KEYWORDS:
Sanitation, Public, Water, Environment, Effurun, Practices
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Safety Science and Technology,
Vol.13 No.4,
December
20,
2023
ABSTRACT: Public health has a significant impact on mortality and has been reported
in many researches. This is why it is important to evaluate our immediate
environment since man’s health lies largely in his environment. This study
assessed public attitude to sanitation practices in Effurun, Delta State,
Nigeria. The study was done by qualitative survey of the study area where a
random sampling technique was employed to obtain response from residents in
Effurun on water and accessibility in the study area, sanitation and gray water
condition, solid waste management and drainage and occupancy, household pests
and diseases. The result of the respondents showed that 63% have access to
drinking water regularly within the study area. However, response also shows
possible problems relating to water accessibility with respondents indicating
conflict with water source use and harsh control of water sources by landlords
and land owners which limit water access. Results also indicated that 31% of
individuals within the study area were still operating a pit latrines system of
faeces disposal while 73% engage in sharing of toilet facilities which are
mostly left unclean. The prevalence of shared toilets, existence of pit
latrine, negligence of emptying of septic tanks and unhygienic practice
associated with cleaning of hands after use of toilet facility show that public
health is likely to be breached. The result of the response on solid waste
management had 28% and 35% respondents practicing open dump waste disposal and
experience of flood respectively in their areas. It can therefore be concluded
that the attitude of residents towards public health sanitation is poor and
requires attention and intervention.