Sociological dimension in the handling habit and sanitary quality of hand-dug well water from oil-producing area of Nigeria |
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Authors: | Eucharia O Ejechi Bernard O Ejechi |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Sociology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria;(2) College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Novena University, Ogume, PMB 2 Kwale, Delta State, Nigeria;(3) Department of Microbiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria |
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Abstract: | A previous report showed that the physical and sanitary quality of hand-dug wells from an oil-producing area of Nigeria was
poor in spite of the presence of well protective features. The hypothesis that handling habits is associated with the well
water quality was therefore, tested. A structured questionnaire with scales for measuring handling habits was administered
to 60 female (>18 years) hand-dug well users/owners randomly selected from three towns in the oil-producing area. The respondents’
wells were analysed for coliform bacteria. The findings showed that poor handling habits were the trend (habit score: Mean,
9.23 vs. 20 total available points). Handling habit indicated by scores, significantly negatively correlated (−0.89; P < 0.01) with coliform counts (indicator of poor sanitary quality). While the data collected and discussions with respondents
indicated awareness of the risk of drinking well water, widespread skepticism of the potential hazards of non-drinking domestic
uses (e.g., cooking, washing of plates, cups, cutleries etc.) was evident. Discontent with some aspects of science was indicated.
It is concluded that there is need for social discourse and more public health campaign aimed at transforming skepticism to
consent. |
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Keywords: | Hand-dug well Water quality Handling habits Risk Coliform bacteria |
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