Municipal solid waste management practices in inner cities of Osogbo, Osun State and its implications on health

Abstract

Background: Indiscriminate waste disposal is a common practice in many cities of Sub-Saharan Africa and these unhealthy practices have made the region face severe environmental deterioration and health implications. The objective of this study is to assess the association between waste management practices and self-reported health outcomes among inner city dwellers in Osogbo.Method: The study is a cross sectional study carried out among 351 household heads using a semistructured interviewer administered questionnaire.Results: Majority (78.6%) of respondents had poor practice of waste management although, most showed concern on likely impacts of poor waste management. Most of them (81.8%) demonstrated positive attitude towards waste management and were willing to participate in organized waste management at low cost. Gender (X2 =7.217, P<0.05), income (X 2=12.140, P<0.05), occupation (X 2=29.034, P<0.05) and level of education were significantly associated with their poor waste management practices. Majority (74%) reported at least one ill health condition, practice and attitude were the major variables implicated in various ill health reported by the respondents.Conclusion: Poor waste management practices are strongly associated with ill health. Keywords: Solid Waste, Management, Self-reported health outcomes, Practices.