People's Perception and Health Challenges Associated with Residential Building Proximity to Refuse Dumpsites in Bida, Nigeria

Abstract

The problems associated with refuse dumps and their effects on residents in the developing countries like Nigeria and municipals like Bida have become pronounced recently as a result of urbanization and inadequate waste disposal practices. This study focused on the oldest dumpsites in Bida located in four wards and assessed their perception, attitude and health of residents. Data used for the study were collected through questionnaire administration, observation, health facility records of cases and works of other researchers. A sample of 430 residents were surveyed and based on result of the contrasts and correlations made, it was observed that both nearby and far away residents were affected by location of the dumpsites in their vicinity. The study found out that the common illnesses which were prevalent among residents living around the dumpsites were malaria, respiratory illness, diarrhea and typhoid fever among others. However the most common illness recorded among residents and also the most frequent necessitating hospitalization among them is malaria. Results showed that a strongly preponderant part of the residents (91.6%) had knowledge of the health risks posed by residential proximity to dumpsites. This study is also a clear demonstration that accumulation of solid waste in immediate vicinity of residential areas constitutes a pathway for many chronic adult and childhood diseases including malaria among others and that low socioeconomic conditions, poor literacy, lack of education on proper waste disposal and management are major contributing factors. Government's promotion and sponsoring of public environmental programs that can convert waste to wealth as well as the private sector involvement are thus, recommended