Knowledge, Risk Perception and Practices Regarding the Hazards of Unsanitary Solid Waste Disposal among Small-Scale Business Operators in Sokoto, Nigeria

Introduction: Unsanitary solid waste disposal practices are very prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa and pose serious threat to the health of the populace. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception and practices regarding the hazards of unsanitary solid waste disposal among small-scale business operators in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 small-scale business operators selected by a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a set of pre-tested interviewer- administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 statistical package.

Results: The ages of the respondents ranged from 18 to 65 years (mean = 28.59 ± 7.09). They were predominantly males (80.4%), single (66.0%), and had at least secondary education (91.2%). Less than two-thirds (56.8%) had good knowledge of sanitary solid waste disposal with majority of them having some misconceptions. While most of them (85.3%) had good knowledge of the hazards of unsanitary solid waste disposal, less than two-thirds perceived themselves (57.9%) or their workers and neighbors (58.9%) to be at risk from the hazards. Unsanitary solid waste disposal practices were very prevalent among the respondents (ranging from 22.8 to 57.9%), and the sole predictor was misconception on sanitary solid waste disposal (Odds Ratio = 2.626, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Although the respondents had good knowledge of the hazards of unsanitary solid waste disposal, their risk perception was sub-optimal and unsanitary solid waste disposal practices were very prevalent among them. Small-scale business operators should be targeted for health education intervention to reduce misconceptions and facilitate sanitary solid waste disposal practices.