AN INVESTIGATION INTO KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG RESIDENT OF MAKOKO COMMUNITY, LAGOS STATE

Abstract

This study examined knowledge, Attitude and practice of healthy living among residents of Makoko community in Yaba, Lagos. The descriptive Survey research design was applied. 200 participants: 100 adolescents and 100 adults selected through purposive sampling technique comprised the study sample. The theory of Reasoned Action by Ajazen under-pinned the study while variables studied include: knowledge of healthful living, Attitudes towards personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, defecation practices, and healthy living in Makoko Community. A validated researchers developed questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection, while descriptive statistics was used for data analysis and inferential statistics tested the hypotheses. Findings revealed various behaviours and exposures to infections and communicable diseases (air = 51.0%, water = 45.5%, toilet = 43.9% and housing =42.4%). This study concludes that most residents have negative attitude towards personal and environmental hygiene, and practice open defecation on land and water. The residents are exposed to polluted and filthy air. Recommendations include implementation of general environmental hygiene practices, and inculcation of aggressive school and community health awareness programmes.