ABSTRACT
Sanitation is a critical problem that affects people all around the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Children are the most affected on a global scale, with the majority of deaths attributable to diseases caused by poor sanitation. All citizens have the right to a pleasant environment that promotes healthy living and is free of hazards. The aim of this study therefore was to assess Poor Environmental Sanitation and its Implications on the Health and Well Being of Residents of Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The research design is a descriptive type of survey design and the study population consisted of a total population of 229,500 (National Population Commission, 2022). A sample size of 250 respondents were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a well-designed structured questionnaire which was validated by the project Supervisor and two other lecturers from the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental education. Collated data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage tables.
The implications of poor environmental sanitation on the health and well-being of the residents were established to include diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, malaria, etc. Study findings showed that measures such as assigning responsibilities to community group heads, and making waste dumping sites available at strategic locations would be effective in improving the level of environmental sanitation practices among residents. It is thus recommended that information should be provided about the consequences of poor environmental sanitation to health and well-being, and waste management authorities should judiciously perform their duties of waste collection, transportation, and management. Adequate participation of community members and all other stakeholders in proper environmental sanitation practices is paramount to improving health and well-being.
