Household Waste Management Practices and Associated Health Outcomes in Urban and Peri-Urban Communities of Nasarawa State

Rapid urbanization and the lack of adequate municipal waste infrastructure remain important environmental and health issues in Nigeria. This study investigated household waste management practices and their relationship with self-reported health outcomes in selected urban and peri-urban areas of North-Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical study design was used among 1,162 households selected using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires to gather socio-demographic information, waste storage and disposal practices, access to waste collection services, and self-reported cases of malaria, diarrheal diseases, typhoid fever, and respiratory illnesses in the preceding six months. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata version 17. Open dumping (27.6%) and burning (22.1%) were prominent disposal practices, and only 31.4% of households accessed government waste collection services. The prevalence of self-reported malaria, diarrheal disease, typhoid fever, and respiratory infections was 41.8%, 28.4%, 17.9%, and 33.6%, respectively. Adjusted for socio-demographic variables, the odds of malaria (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.45–2.59), diarrheal disease (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.69–3.17), and typhoid fever (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.40–3.09) were significantly higher in households that practiced open dumping compared to those that did not. Burning waste was significantly associated with respiratory infections (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 2.01–3.73). On the other hand, the use of covered waste storage containers was a protective factor against diarrheal disease (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48–0.86). The results show that the unsafe practice of household waste management is significantly associated with the risk of communicable and respiratory diseases. Improving municipal waste management and promoting safe waste handling practices are important.