Environmental Health Impact of Waste Management Practices of the University of Cape Coast and its Surrounding Communities: Perception of Undergraduate Students.

Abstract

Quality health status is paramount for a smooth academic work of students. However, poor waste management practices could expose students to adverse health impacts that could negatively affect their performance. The study assessed the environmental health impact of waste management practices of the University of Cape Coast and its surrounding communities. In this descriptive study, a stratified proportional sampling technique was used to select 4,400 students for the quantitative analysis. Three key informants were purposively sampled for face to face interview. Structured questionnaire, interview guide and observational checklist were used for the data collection. The inferential analysis on the quantitative data was done using Wilcoxon rank sum test, logistic regression analysis, and structural equation model (SEM). The qualitative responses were analysed through data reduction and thematic content analysis. The waste management practices of the students were generally good though evidence of poor waste management were observed in the communities. Again, it was observed that, poor waste management influences the health status of the students negatively. The university also follows the National Sanitation Policy to guide waste management practices. The main conclusion was that waste management practices have direct and indirect adverse impact on the health status of the students. The study recommends that the Environmental Health Section of UCC and the Environmental Unit of CCMA need to increase the frequency of waste collection. The Environmental Health Section of UCC and the Environmental Health Unit of CCMA need to sensitise students on the need to control the environmental health impact before its extent to affect their health.