PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS MONTHLY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EXERCISE IN ONITSHA: A STUDY OF FEGGE, ONITSHA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study explored public perception and attitudes towards the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Onitsha, with a focus on Fegge in Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The objectives of the study were to examine the major causes of poor participation in monthly environmental sanitation, assess the impact of such poor participation, and proffer solutions for improving participation in Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The theories used in the study include Nightingale’s Theory, Social Control Theory, and the Health Belief Model (HBM). The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and was anchored on the Health Belief Model to explain factors influencing public perception and participation in monthly environmental sanitation. The sample size was 200 respondents. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting respondents. The instruments for data collection were a structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in frequency tables and simple percentages. The study hypotheses were tested using Chi-square (χ²) inferential statistics. Data from the in-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that respondents are highly familiar with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, but they exhibit a negative attitude toward participation. The study recommends intensified public awareness campaigns on the health risks associated with unclean and unsafe environments. It also calls for the enforcement of strict government policies against violators of monthly sanitation regulations in Anambra State, Nigeria.