PREVALENCE AND CONSEQUENCES OF POOR WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SANITATION EXERCISE IN DELTA STATE, SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

This theoretical paper examines the prevalence and consequences of poor waste management and sanitation practices in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to explore the prevalence and major causes of poor participation in monthly environmental sanitation exercises, assess the impact of such poor participation, and proffer solutions for improving participation in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria. 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 paper revealed a low turnout during monthly environmental sanitation exercises, indicating that residents of Delta State exhibit a negative attitude toward participation. The study recommends intensified public awareness campaigns on the health risks associated with unclean environments. It also calls for the enforcement of stringent policies by the government against violators of monthly sanitation regulations in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria.