KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH EFFECT OF IMPROPER WASTE DISPOSAL AMONG RESIDENCE OF IKPOBA OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess the residence knowledge of the effect of improper waste disposal in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo state and their level of awareness of the health and environmental effect of indiscriminate waste disposal in their environment. Three research questions were raised to act as a guide to the study.
A descriptive survey research design was used in eliciting response from the respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data from a sample of 100 residents living in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo state with a total population of about 371,106 residents including shop owners. An instrument titled ``knowledge of the effect of improper waste disposal among residence of Ikpoba Okha local government area Benin city Edo State’’ was used for data collection. The collected data was analysed using simple percentage and frequency count.
In the findings it was observed that people are aware of the health implications of improper waste disposal. It was also noted that there are benefits of proper waste disposal which reduces health and environmental hazards. Based on the study it was concluded that improper waste disposal has a negative effect on the society at large. In line with the findings the following recommendation were made : the government should encourage and improve the practice of environmental sanitation by providing necessary facilities for the service. Also, the government should also try and educate the residents of Ikpoba Okha Local Government on the relevance of good sanitation