Assessment of fish waste disposal practices and their association with Tungiasis risk among residents of Jegeme communities, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Improper disposal of fish waste poses significant environmental and public health challenges in fishing communities. This study assessed fish waste disposal practices and examined their relationship with jigger infestation [tungiasis] in jegeme community, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study, Data were collected from 91 respondents comprising fishermen and women, fish processors and household residents using a structured questionnaire Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviations, and the chi-square test of independence. The findings revealed that fish waste was frequently left exposed fina disporsal [mean= 3,62] dumped directly into the river or lagoon [mean=3,56], and disposed of in open or unapproved dumping sites [mean=3,49]. The use of designated waste facilities was low [mean=1.47] .Major environment impacts associated with improper fish waste disposal included the frequent presence of rodents and other pests [mean=4,37] breeding of files and maggots [mean=4,22] offensive odour [mean=4.21] and an unclean community environment caused by scattered fish waste [mean=3,79], Before walking among household members and children was also reported to be frequent [mean=3.55 and 3,53 respectively], The chisquare test revealed a statistically significant association between respondent category and fish waste disposal practices x2[4,N=91]=103.968.p,001 with a strong association indicated by Cramers V=0,756. The study concludes that fish practice in Jegeme Community are predominantly unsafe and contribute to poor environmental sanitation, However fish waste disposal should not be interpreted as a direct cause of tungiasis, rather poor waste management may coexist with environmental and behavioural conditions, such as inadequate sanitation and barefoot exposure that increase vulnerability to tungiasis. The study recommends the provision and proper maintenance of covered waste bins, regular waste collection, enforcement against indiscriminate dumping into water bodies, community sanitation programmes, public health education, early treatment of tungiasis, and promotion of protective footwear, particularly among children.