Public Attitude towards Sanitation Practices in Effurun and Environs, Delta State, Nigeria

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.