Waste Disposal and the Occurrence of Malaria and Diarrhoea in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between waste disposal and the incidences of malaria and diarrhoea in the Port Harcourt Local Government Area in Rivers State. A cross-sectional descriptive design was embraced, and 420 respondents were chosen in four communities (Port Harcourt Township, Diobu, Rumuokoro, and D-line/Ada George). Data collection was done using structured questionnaires, field observations, and entomological surveys, and statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents were females (54.8%), aged 40-49 years (47%), married (50.5%), and tertiary educated (41.7%). Open dumping (36.4) and burning (25.0) were the most popular methods of waste disposal (only 20.7 used the services of government collection). The greatest mosquito (120 adults, larval density = 25/L) and fly abundance (180 adults, 160 per trap/24 h) was observed in Port Harcourt Township, which means that there is a great level of the vectors around dumpsites. The prevalence of the diseases was also high, including malaria (44.3%), diarrhoea (21.9%), and both (17.6%), with the incidence declining as the distance to dumpsites rose. The highest incidences of malaria (54.8) and diarrhoea (52.2) were reported in households that practiced open dumping, meaning that improper waste disposal is strongly associated with the incidence of diseases. Despite the fact that 89 percent of the residents were knowledgeable about the principles of waste management and 84.8 percent were knowledgeable about the environmental effects of waste management, only 34.3 percent displayed good waste-management practices, which suggests a knowledge-practice gap. The socioeconomic and environmental conditions, such as low income, poor sanitation, surface water use, high-density housing, and dumpsite proximity (less than 100 m), greatly affected the prevalence of the disease. The study concludes that ineffective waste disposal systems and poor environmental sanitation are major contributors to malaria and diarrhoeal morbidity in Port Harcourt LGA. Strengthening waste management infrastructure and promoting behavioural change are essential for reducing vector-borne and sanitation-related diseases.