Waste Disposal Practices, Environmental Attitudes and Wellbeing of Undergraduates in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Healthy living of residents in every society is a prerequisite for continuous growth in the society. It has been observed that schools especially tertiary institutions are sited close to industries and markets in Lagos state which has made waste becomes a menace to students’ wellbeing.  Hence, this study was conducted to examine waste disposal practices, environmental attitudes and well-being of undergraduates in Lagos State. The study was guided by 3 research objectives which is to determine the relationship between waste disposal practices and environmental attitudes among undergraduates. Also, to determine the relationship between waste disposal practices and well-being of undergraduates and to determine the relationship between environmental attitudes and well-being of undergraduates in Lagos State. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study covered all undergraduate students in Lagos State. Purposive and simply random sampling technique was used to obtain 240 respondents. Data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using Pearson Product Monument Correlation Coefficient. The study found that there is a significant relationship between waste disposal practices and environmental attitudes of undergraduates; waste disposal practices and well-being of undergraduates and finally a significant relationship was found between environmental attitude and well-being of undergraduates in Lagos State. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that waste disposal practices and environmental attitude remained significant factors that are associated with undergraduates’ well-being and recommends that adequate sensitization and awareness programmes should be done in tertiary institutions to inculcate right environmental attitude that foster proper waste disposal practices among students.