Perception and public health impact of landscaping of the Center for Wetland, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental pollution creates conducive environment for breeding of parasites and causes serious problem to human health. A study on the perceptions and health implications of landscape architecture in Uyo was investigated. The objectives of the study were: to assessed and improved on the Center for Wetland landscape in the University of Uyo and to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites before and after landscaping, and assess the relationship between participants' preferences and perception of landscaping and health implications. A hundred 100 participants who were staff and students of the University of Uyo were selected by stratified random sampling and were served with structured questionnaires. Soil samples were analysed for soil parasites using Baermann method, formal-ether sedimentation and zinc-sulphate floatation methods before and six months after landscaping. The results revealed that landscaping reduces the prevalence of soil borne parasite in the Center for Wetland soil from 61.7% before landscaping to 16.7% after landscaping and improve the sanitation, drainage and hygiene of the Center and create a conducive environment for learning. The prevalence and mean intensity of parasite species isolated from Wetland soil before landscaping were Ascaris lumbricoides with a prevalence of 6.7% and mean intensity of 4.0, Ancyclostoma duodenale with a prevalence of 25% and mean intensity of 2.93, Strongyloides stercoralis with prevalence of 13.3% and mean intensity of 3.63 and Trichomonas hominis 6.7% and 2.5. The environmental and public health characteristics of the Center before landscaping shows a high level of pollution, offensive odour, flooding, poor sanitation and unconducive environment for learning. After landscaping, there was a tremendous improvement in the environmental and public health characteristics which creates a good psychological impact, conducive environment for learning and reduces stress, tension and fatigue. The study demonstrated the importance of landscaping of the environment, its benefits and health implications. Sustainable landscape planning should promote the training of environmental management and landscaping at higher institutions of learning.