Spatial Distribution of Abattoir, Operators’ Health Status, Waste Management and Perceived Health Implication on the Consumed Meat

Abstract

This study investigated spatial distribution of abattoirs, operators’ health status, waste management and perceived health implication on the consumed meat in two towns in Osun State Nigeria. It precisely examined the abattoirs’ spatial distribution, environmental health officers’ inspection, the medical checkup of the Abattoirs’ operators, type and adequacy of facilities and equipment for use and the health implication on the consumed meat. Survey research design was embraced for the study. Eighty respondents consisting of 60 abattoir operators and 20 consumers from each town making a total of 160 respondents were drawn for the study. Random sampling technique was used for selection.  Interview guide and self-constructed questionnaire validated by experts was used to collect the data, test retest method was also used for the reliability and was found reliable at 0.88 significant levels. The collected data were analyzed with percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square. A verbal interview with 20 consumers from each town was also used to investigate the health implication on the consumed meat. The findings showed that the abattoirs in the study areas were not evenly distributed, the environmental health officers’ inspection to the abattoir were very rare, the abattoirs’ operators rarely went for medical checkup, and the types of facilities and equipment used in the Abattoir were not adequate. The results also showed that diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea and stomach pain were perceived health implications on the consumed meat. The findings further showed that poor sanitation and the abattoirs’ health status will significantly influence the health of the consumers negatively in ile-ife and Modakeke town. The study recommends that enlightenment programmes by the 3 tiers of government should be mounted for the abattoir operators and environmental health officers’ should inspect the Abattoir regularly.

Key Words: Spatial Distribution, Abattoir, Operators’ Health Status, Waste Management, Health   Implication, Consumed Meat