Health Education and Waste Management Practices Among Residents of Aba Urban Communities, Abia State

Improper solid waste management in densely populated urban areas of South East Nigeria contributes to the spread of infectious diseases and environmental degradation. This study assessed the role of health education in promoting proper waste management practices among residents of Aba urban communities in Abia State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with 300 adult residents selected from Aba North and Aba South local government areas through systematic random sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge, attitude, and waste management practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in the analysis. Findings revealed that knowledge of the health implications of improper waste disposal was moderate, with 55 percent of respondents scoring above average. However, waste segregation and use of designated disposal sites were consistently practised by only 27 percent. Inadequate sanitation infrastructure, poor enforcement of environmental health laws, and infrequent community health education outreach were the most cited barriers to good practice. Respondents who had attended environmental health education programmes were significantly more likely to engage in appropriate waste disposal behaviour. The study recommended the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency to intensify health education campaigns and improve waste collection infrastructure in urban communities. Keywords: waste management, health education, urban residents, Aba, environmental health