Assessment of the Perception of Community Members Regarding Street Dumping of Waste and Its Health Impact in Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

Background: Street dumping of waste remains a major environmental and public health concern in urban areas of developing countries, particularly in Nigeria.

Main objective: This study assessed the perception of community members regarding street dumping of waste and its health impacts in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State.

Methods: Using a multistage sampling technique, 204 residents from the three Local Government Areas (Ilorin West, Ilorin East, and Ilorin South) participated in a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, and binary logistic regression, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results: Findings revealed that over 90% respondents were aware of the negative consequences of street dumping on public health and the environment. Age, education, marital status, and occupation showed significant associations with awareness (p < 0.05). The major factors influencing street dumping include lack of access to waste bins (AOR=14.27, C.I=3.89, p < 0.001), convenience (AOR=0.79, C.I=2.27, P<0.001) and absence of municipal waste collection services (AOR=5.55, C.I=1.01, p = 0.048).

Conclusion: Despite high awareness of health and environmental risks, street dumping persists due to infrastructural limitations and weak enforcement mechanisms in Ilorin metropolis.