Market traders’ knowledge, attitude, and practices of solid waste disposal in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria: New implications for global health education

Poor environmental sanitation practices in markets are a serious public health concern, as solid waste poses municipal level and global health risks. Solid wastes also add to the growing issue of global climate change. This study sought to determine the sociodemographic correlates of solid waste disposal knowledge, attitude, and practices among market traders in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study of 480 traders across six markets in Calabar Municipality. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Overall, 54% of respondents had good knowledge, 45% had an acceptable attitude, and a significantly low number of respondents (16%) practiced good solid waste disposal. Sociodemographic characteristics that were statistically significant in the bivariate analyses were modeled for the outcomes. The multivariable analyses found that age, primary education, being married, being separated/divorced, being Muslim, and being a traditionalist were statistically significantly associated with knowledge, attitude, and practices of solid waste disposal among market traders. Solid waste disposal practices were poor. Market sensitizations on environmental sanitation need to be carried out. There is also a need to enforce laws stating disciplinary measures for offenders who dump wastes indiscriminately.