Articles

Impact of Environmental Education on Knowledge and Practice of Refuse Disposal Among Students in Community Secondary School Ebedebiri

D. Walker
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education
A. Akpe
College of Health Technology, Otuogidi, Bayelsa State, Department of Community Health Science
Published: May 9, 2026 Issue: Vol. 37 No. 1 (2025)

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of environmental health education programme on knowledge and practice of refuse disposal among secondary school students in Community Secondary School, Ebedebiri, Bayelsa State. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design was adopted. The sample size was 127 respondents, determined as 20 percent of the school population. Purposive sampling selected 54 respondents from JSS2 and 73 from SS1. A self-developed validated questionnaire was used, with Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of 0.77. A six-week environmental education programme was designed to improve knowledge and practice of refuse disposal methods. ANCOVA at 0.05 level of significance was used. Findings showed improved knowledge and practice after the programme. The study recommended regular school outreach programmes on environmental sanitation.

Keywords: Environmental education Refuse disposal Knowledge Practice Secondary school students