Solid waste management and health hazards associated with residence around open dumpsites in heterogeneous urban settlements in Southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The existence and multiplication of open dumpsites (ODs) around residential settlements are associated with environmental health outcomes in urbanizing settlements of developing countries. The study assessed existing practice and perceived health hazards of residence around ODs in Nigerian heterogeneous urban settlements. The cross-sectional, mixed-method study administered a validated questionnaire on 195 respondents using a 4-stage sampling technique. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted and analysed by ATLAS.ti software. Continuous and categorical variables were respectively presented by means and proportions; associations among variables were determined by chi-square and logistic regression at Pα<0.05. Seventy-two per cent of the respondents disposed of solid waste in ODs, despite good knowledge (95%) and a positive attitude (85%) on perceived health-hazards. One-sixth (15%) of respondents were willing to pay for waste collection service and 50% considered burning as an alternative to open dumping. The most and least perceived health outcomes were malaria and breathing difficulties. Improved water sources and skin irritations were significant predictors of sound SWM practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Health hazards
• open burning
• open dumpsites
• solid waste
• Nigeria

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledged the respondents who lives within 100 m around the open dumpsites. We appreciate their time, and willingness to participate in the study.

Declaration of interest statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The study was self-sponsored by the authors.