Knowledge and Practices of Liquid Waste (Domestic Wastewater) Management among Hostel Residents in a Nigerian Health Training Institution: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Improper liquid waste disposal in areas where people live and other settings such as institutions of higher learning can promote pollution in the environment thereby making it unconducive for residents as well as encourage disease transmission. Health-training institutions have the obligation to ensure safe environmental practices among health trainees. This study assessed knowledge and self-reported practices of liquid waste (domestic wastewater) management among students residing in hostels of the College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, Calabar, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 109 hostel-resident students selected by simple random sampling from an estimated hostel population of 150 students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and summarized using frequencies and percentages. Results: The results revealed that Seventy respondents (64.2%) knew the meaning of liquid waste, 53 (48.6%) recognized that improper disposal could cause environmental pollution, 44 (40.4%) knew the correct disposal methods, and 60 (55.0%) knew that some liquid waste could be hazardous to human health. Reported practices were poor: only 12 (11.0%) disposed of liquid waste in designated areas, 20 (18.3%) avoided indiscriminate pouring in the hostel environment, and 29 (26.6%) followed recommended handling procedures. However, 62 (56.9%) reported participating in activities that promote proper waste management. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a substantial knowledge-to-practice gap among hostel residents. Improving liquid waste management in health-training institutions requires practical environmental health education alongside functional drainage and disposal infrastructure, routine monitoring and institutional enforcement.

wastewater management; environmental health; sanitation; knowledge; practices

1. Ajieh, M. U., Ogbomida, E. T., Uhunamure, N. D., Agbale, R. N., Ajieh, G. I., Ekperi, R., Owamah, H. I., & Okafor, I. F. (2024). Analytical assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of waste management practices to optimize energy and food nexus: A case study of Oleh, Isoko South LGA, Delta State, Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 18(8), 170–186. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Amoako, A. D., Ahiabor, S. Y., Adzim, E., Adjokatse, I., Adiku, P., Machator, J., Amofa, F., & Norvivor, F. A. (2023). Evaluation of domestic liquid waste management system in the Volta Region of Ghana. (A case study of Hohoe Township). Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 29, 245–254. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Aneesa, S., Arathi, N., & Geetha, A. (2021). Urban liquid waste management: bane to boon-a study of Palakkad town in Kerala. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1114(012044). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Awodele, O., Adewoye, A. A., & Oparah, A. C. (2016). Assessment of medical waste management in seven hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. BMC Public Health, 16(269), 1–11. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Ezeudu, O. B., Ezeudu, T. S., Ugochukwu, U. C., Tenebe, I. T., Ajogu, A. P., Nwadi, U. V., & Ajaero, C. C. (2022). Healthcare waste management in Nigeria: A review. Recycling, 7(6), 87. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Ganapathy, D., Gurumurthy, K., & Sasanka, K. (2020). Awareness on disposal of liquid waste in dentistry among dental students. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(SPL3), 907–910. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Hashim, I. A., Hamma-adama, M., & Surendran, S. (2020). A strategic decision framework for a sustainable wastewater treatment and management in the oil producing region. Civil and Environmental Research, 12(8), 35–61. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Kabito, G., Dagne, H., & G/Hiwot, M. (2021). Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and determinants towards wastewater management in Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 14, 2697–2705. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Karunasena, G., Wijeratne, W. M. P. U., Gajanayake, A., Udawatta, N., & Perera, S. (2025). Stakeholder analysis of construction liquid waste management in Victoria, Australia. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(14), 1691–1702. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Lugga, A. S., Abubakar, B., Haruna, S., Abubakar, A. S., & Mudi, B. (2023). Assessment of the attitude and practice of healthcare workers towards management of hospital waste in General Hospital Katsina, Northwest Nigeria. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (DUJOPAS), 9(1b), 141–147. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Muhammad, H. A., Bashir, U. M., Haruna, A. U., Abubakar, S. K., & Abdul, A. Y. (2025). An evaluation of slaughterhouse facilities and waste management practices in Tarauni Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. AJASTR, 18(1). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Nassour, C., Nabhani-Gebara, S., Barton, S. J., & Barker, J. (2023). Anti-cancer drug waste disposal practices and wastewater management in hospitals: A Lebanese survey. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 30(1), 78–87. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Nnaji, I., Dangana, A., Fasulu, O. E., Maduabuchi, M. S., Danladi, P. N., Bwede, E. S., Egwuenu, A. J., Avong, J. C., Ihemeje, C. E., Babatunde, O. A., Korie, C. C., Negedu-Momoh, O. R., Uzoebo, N. L., Opara, C. E., Agala, N. P., Daudu, O. U., & Idris, O. (2025). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of biosafety and infectious waste management among the laboratory workers at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, Nigeria. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health, 8(ConfProc5). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Nwadi, C. L., Attah, B. I., Ugwu, E. I., Nwakpadolu, G. M., & Ezekoye, R. O. (2023). Perceived influence of hostel sanitation practices on students’ health at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Journal for Family & Society Research, 2(2). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Okechukwu, E. F., Nwankwo, C. C., & Eze, C. N. (2020). Assessment of healthcare waste management practices among students in tertiary institutions. Journal of Environmental Health Research, 10(1), 23–31. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Okechukwu, E. F., Nwankwo, C. H., & Eze, C. N. (2020). Knowledge and practice of biomedical waste management among healthcare workers in Nigeria. African Journal of Health Sciences, 33(2), 45–53. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Oladapo, B. S., Qadeer, M. A., & Bello, B. V. (2023). Management of liquid medical wastes in selected hospitals in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 7(3), 245–248. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Olatunji, P. O., Potts, J., Failler, P., & Austin, R. (2022). Attitudes and perceptions of recreational boat owners on waste management processes: A case study of Chichester Harbour, United Kingdom. Journal of Sustainability Research, 4(3), e220013. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Soyingbe, A. A., Terebo, O., Olujimi, O. O., Olayinka, O., & Bamgbose, O. (2021). Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of residents and stakeholders’ opinion on faecal sludge management in Abeokuta South Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, 10(4). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Tribal Child Nutrition and Health in District of Sundargarh: A Public Health Review of ICDS Intervention
• Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Prostate Cancer Screening Amongst Men Aged 40-60 Years in The Buea Health District: A Cross-Sectional Study
• Compliance with JCI Protocols: A Focus on Employee Safety
• Influence and Involvement of Teachers in Menstrual Hygiene Management of Female Secondary School Students in Kogi State, Nigeria
• A Critical Evaluation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Bihar