Domestic Refuse Handling Among Adult Females in a Nigerian Metropolitan City: Are There Challenges?

Abstract

Domestic refuse are solid household wastes that are predominantly handled by adult females. This study determines the domestic refuse-handling practices/associated factors in a Nigerian metropolitan city. It was an interventional/community-based study involving a total of 436 adult females selected by the multi-stage sampling method. They were subdivided into two groups: control group (n=218) and intervention group (n=218). Using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, a baseline assessment was made in both groups. Health education was given on domestic refuse handling and reinforcement by trained community-based health educators. Three months later, the same respondents were re-assessed using the same questionnaire. Data was analysed using EPI info software. Post-intervention results showed that 137 (62.8%) of the females in the intervention group had good domestic refuse-handling practices compared to 55 (25.2%) of the females in the control group, while 163 (74.8%) had bad practices. Majority of females suggested collective efforts as a solution to the various challenges faced by them particularly the absence of community sanitation members. Also, community-based health education was found to be effective in enhancing good domestic refuse-handling practices, though there is a need for more community effort as regards the proper handling for enhanced sustainability.