Correlates of household waste management in Ghana: implications for public health

Abstract

Household waste management is a challenge in Accra, Ghana, due to increasing urbanization and unscrupulous dumping of garbage. The aim of this study was to determine the correlates of household waste management as well as their implications for public health. The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design with self-administered questionnaires to assess household waste management in Accra, Ghana. The study was conducted from September 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020. Our findings showed that rubber waste types were the most generated (26%) among respondents in their various households, followed by tin (19%) and plastic (16%). Majority (50.5%) of the respondents disposed of waste collected in public bins. However, about half of the respondents dumped waste through illegal or unauthorized means. About three out of four respondents (72.9%) indicated that improper management of garbage could affect the health of household members while 81.1% reported willing to participate in waste management in their neighborhoods. Females were more likely to be willing to participate in waste management compared to their male counterparts (p = 0.001). It is recommended that stakeholders and policy makers should focus on education for the citizenry on waste management behaviors. In addition, they should have increased access to waste collection services; since the public health implication of dumping anywhere could cause flooding, choke gutters, and lead to epidemic of cholera and vector borne diseases like malaria and dysentery.