Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Sewage Disposal Among Residents in Rural Communities in Bwari Area Council, FCT, Abuja

Abstract

Introduction: The disposal of sewage is an essential aspect of public health and environmental management in the world. This study examined knowledge, attitudes and practices in regard to sewage disposal in the rural community in the Bwari Area Council, FCT Abuja.

Methodology: Using a cross-sectional survey design, a sample of 395 respondents who are residents of rural communities in the Bwari Area Council and met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study.

Results: Based on the results, it was revealed that most respondents (59.5%) had poor knowledge of sewage disposal practices, despite 55.5% saying that they are aware of the disposal of sewage. Moreover, it was found that 23.7% of the study participants showed a poor attitude to sewage disposal. While a poor attitude of sewage disposal was seen among the study participants, this translated to poor waste disposal practices as only 29.1% of the respondents had poor practices. Conclusion: the research study emphasises that improving sewage disposal inculcation systems in Bwari Area Council requires a well-detailed approach that combines awareness creation, subsidised sanitation infrastructure, enhanced community engagement, and ongoing health education, to rectify the existing deficits will not only help to improve environmental sanitation, but also will help to alleviate a substantial burden of preventable diseases and help successfully achieve the national target of ending open defecation. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that with the assistance from health workers and NGOs, there is a need to implement regular sanitation awareness campaigns to put emphasis on the link between the sanitary disposal of sewage and waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid.