JCARM Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies JCARM 3139-7247 Ivory and Finch Publishers 10.5281/zenodo.23280359 JCARM_SEP_26_150 Original Research Article Assessment of Household Waste Disposal Methods and their Environmental Health Risks Among Residents in Ogbia Town, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Elegen Kingston Ebe Department of Environmental Health Science, Bayelsa State College of Health Technology, Otuogidi, Ogbia Town, Nigeria. ebelegen@gmail.com Konmeze Odigo Department of Environmental Health Science Bayelsa State College of Health Technology Otuogidi Ogbia Town I. Isaiah Otobo Department of Environmental Health Science Bayelsa State College of Health Science Bayelsa State College of Health Technology Otuogidi Ogbia Town Benis Benison Ederikumo Department of Environmental Health Science Bayelsa State College of Health Technology Otuogidi Ogbia Town O Princess Amida Department of Environmental Health Science Bayelsa State College of Health Technology Otuogidi Ogbia Town Jephta Ake Department of Environmental Health Science Bayelsa State College of Health Technology Otuogidi Ogbia Town 10 10 2026 1 8

Background: Improper household waste disposal remains a major environmental and public health challenge in semi-urban communities in Nigeria. This study assessed household waste disposal methods and their environmental health risks in Ogbia Town, Bayelsa State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 379 household heads (>18 years) was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected with a validated structured questionnaire (4 sections) and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages). Results: Majority had heard of proper waste management 301(79.4%), mainly through media 187(49.3%), and 298(78.6%) believed improper disposal affects health. Despite high awareness, unsafe practices predominated: open dumping 142(37.5%) and open burning 88(23.2%), while only 28(7.4%) used waste management agencies. Most 218(57.5%) reported no authorized collection service. Environmental problems observed included flies/rodents 298(78.6%), bad odour 281(74.1%), flooding from blocked drainage 214(56.5%), and water pollution 178(47.0%). 263(69.4%) reported household illnesses linked to waste, notably malaria 198(52.2%), diarrhoea 143(37.7%), typhoid 112(29.6%), and respiratory problems 74(19.5%). 302(79.7%) agreed current practices pose health risks, and 287(75.7%) were willing to adopt improved methods. Conclusion: High knowledge coexists with poor practice due to infrastructural deficits. There is urgent need for improved collection services, enforcement, and health education.

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