EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION ON HEALTH IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of environmental sanitation on health in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess sanitation practices, examine the prevalence of sanitation- related diseases and their links to environmental conditions, evaluate residents' awareness and attitudes, and identify key challenges hindering sanitation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to residents, with 349 valid responses analysed using SPSS. Findings revealed generally poor sanitation practices, with many households failing to dispose of waste properly or use covered bins, while open defecation remained widespread. Malaria, typhoid fever, and diarrhoeal diseases were highly prevalent, and statistical analysis confirmed significant associations between poor sanitation and disease occurrence. Although most residents acknowledged that sanitation affects health and regarded it as a shared responsibility, only a small proportion actively participated in community sanitation initiatives, reflecting a gap between knowledge and practice. The study also identified critical challenges such as inadequate waste collection systems, lack of public toilets and clean water facilities, and weak enforcement of sanitation regulations. These deficiencies continue to undermine public health and exacerbate disease burden in the area. It concludes that poor sanitation remains a major contributor to public health problems in Jalingo LGA. To address this, the study recommends improved waste management services, expanded access to sanitation infrastructure, sustained community education, and stricter enforcement of sanitation laws. A key limitation is the cross- sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, which restricts causal interpretation.