KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

The United Nations describes waste management as the process of handling, treating, controlling, and disposing of waste in ways that are socially, economically, and environmentally acceptable. Effective waste management is essential for environmental sustainability and public health. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of waste management among secondary school students in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A cross-sectional quantitative study design was adopted for this study among 398 senior secondary school students (SS1–SS3) selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The mean age of the respondents was 15 years with a standard deviation of ±1 year. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents (78.4%) demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding waste management, while 75.2% reported having received prior enlightenment on solid waste management. The study also revealed a positive attitude toward waste management, with 79.3% expressing concern about the volume of waste within the school premises. However, the level of waste management practice was relatively low, as only 43.2% considered proper waste handling to be very important. Despite the high level of knowledge observed, the schools still practiced open dumping and burning of waste, with no evidence of collaboration with environmental agencies for waste collection and disposal. The study concludes that inadequate provision of proper waste management facilities in schools contributes significantly to environmental deterioration, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria. It recommends the provision of waste management tools, regular student training, and sustained awareness campaigns to promote environmentally sustainable waste management practices among secondary school students.