Effects of Municipal Waste Disposal Methods on Community Health in Ibadan - Nigeria

Abstract

The generation of waste, and its disposal, collection, transport and processing are important for healthy ecosystems and the health of people. The negative health effects of waste management is the subject of a large literature. Two main health outcomes have been found to be statistically associated with waste exposure: cancer and congenital malformations. This research study was designed to examine the relationship of environmental characteristics with population health, and impacts of waste disposal methods on public health of Agbowo and Bodija community residents. Primary data were collected through a semi- structured questionnaire that was used to gather information on environmental characteristics, municipal waste disposal methods and its effects on population health of Agbowo and Bodija communities’ residents. 421 households in Agbowo (210) and Bodija (211) were randomly selected for this study. Data generated from our field survey were analyzed using t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, (PPMC), at 0.05 alpha level. Results shows that there is a significant difference between the two study areas in terms of environmental characteristics. A significant difference was also observed between waste disposal methods of Agbowo and Bodija communities. Using PPMC, our results demonstrates a relationship between healthy ecosystems and health of communities residents in Agbowo and Bodija. In Agbowo 158 (75.24%), 163 (77.62%), 168 (80%), 109 (51.9%), 94 (44.76%), 129 (61.43%) respodents reported to suffer of watery stools, typhoid, skin infections, vomitting, sore throat, abdominal pains in the past one year. But when compared to Bodija the number of respondents who suffered of watery stools, typhoid, skin infections, vomitting, sore throat, abdominal pains in the past one year stood at 132 (62.56%), 124 (58.77%), 54 (25.59%), 73 (34.6%), 69 (32.7%), 97 (45.97%), respectively. Having established that improper waste generation and management can have adverse health effects on human health, the study concludes by reconmmending that government at all levels should adopt an integrated waste management system with appropriate policy agenda, public programmes and strategic action plans that will enhance environmental governance and end to indiscriminate waste disposal.