Knowledge and practice of sewage disposal in Abattoir community of Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria
Keywords:
sewage disposal, knowledge, practice, urban communityAbstract
Objective: Insanitary disposal of sewage is a problem that contributes to pollution and impacts negatively on human health. It contributes significantly to the prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practice of sewage disposal among selected residents of Abattoir community of Jos South LGA, Plateau State.
Methods: A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data which was analyzed with Epi info 3.5.4. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for this study.
Results: A total of 120 adults from selected households were interviewed. A mean age of 31± 2 years was found with a male:female ratio of 1:1.4. Adequate knowledge regarding sewage disposal was found among 94% of respondents. The flush/pour-flush toilet connected to septic tank, simple pit latrine and open defaecation were the methods found in use among them. The choice of sewage disposal type was statistically significantly related to level of education. Other reasons that influenced choice of toilet methods were hygiene, convenience, affordability and ease of maintenance. No cases of diarrhoea were reported in 90% of the households in the 6 months prior to the study.
Conclusion: Despite the commendable findings in this community, the community is still at risk due to the poor practices of a few that were persisting in the community. Both government and community efforts are required to ensure that basic toilet facilities are available to all.
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