Abstract

Disposable baby diapers have almost become indispensable in the list of baby care products as their use has been increasing steadily over the years. Diapers are made of cloth or synthetic disposable materials which allow for defecation or urination in a discreet manner. Disposable diapers contain absorbent chemicals and are thrown away after use, remaining un-biodegraded in the disposal sites. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of usage of diapers and napkin among nursing mothers in Buea Municipality and their disposal practices. In order to achieve the study objective, a sample of 50 participants (nursing mothers and traders of napkin and diapers) were selected via a structured questionnaire through simple random and convenient sampling techniques. Collected data was checked and inputted using SPSS 21.0. Descriptive statistics of variables were calculated. Findings revealed that the majority of the participants in the study were female. Most of whom were between the age group 20-30years, with majority composing of housewives and business based as a career. (80.0%) of the participants were buyers (users) of disposable diapers and napkin while (20.0%) were traders. Major disposal baby diapers brands identity in the market were Molfix (8,000FRS), Softcare (75000FRS), Camera premium (74000FRS), Joyful (74000FRS) and Jolinks (7500FRS). While various napkin identifies were rated as high quality (8500FRS), medium quality (7000FRS) and low quality (6,000FRSA). Also, (72.5%) of the respondents have used disposal baby diapers while (60.0%0 have made use of napkin in their lifetime. Major advantages of a napkin over disposal baby diapers identify in this study were economically cheaper and environmentally friendly to the user and thus can be used over a long period of time. The study recommends that diapers should be collected using environmentally sound means. Women should be discouraged from the negligent dumping of diapers.  Diapers should be cleaned of the faecal matter before being disposed of.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Parenting involves countless decisions and challenges. It often involved asking questions such as; What type of clothing? What type of bottle? What type of pacifier? Should I use cloth or disposable diapers? Once the basic decisions are made, the parent still must choose between specific brands. Valerie Hunter Gordon invented the first disposable diaper in 1949 (Gordon, 1951).

Historically, Disposable diapers have come a long way in the last half century. Johnson and Johnson were the first to introduced disposable diapers, commercially, in the US around 1949. Soon other companies entered the market, including the popular Pampers brand in 1961 (Butler and Gilson, 2007).  Since then, the use of disposable diapers has increased drastically. Odio and Friedlander, (2000) estimated that 90-95% of diapers used in developed countries are disposable.

According to data from the UK Environment Agency (2005), diapers are changed on average 4-5 times a day. The design of the disposable diaper has also changed over the years, as companies try to improve upon various aspects, such as super absorbency and comfort.

According to Baker and Jenna, (2016), an average baby will go through an estimated 6,930 diapers in his or her life. In the US alone, it is estimated that 27.4 billion disposable diapers are consumed every year (Real Diaper Association, 2014).

Disposable baby diapers have become indispensable in the list of baby care products as their use has been increasing steadily over the years (Kamat and Malkani, 2003). Although disposable baby diapers were used traditionally for their convenience especially when travelling, nowadays they are generally used in many parts of the developed and developing world as a replacement for cloth diapers (napkin).

Developing countries are also adopting the use of disposal diapers because of their perceived advantages over the cloth diapers.  It is therefore apparent that, the advent of disposable diapers has somehow resulted in the death of the napkin culture.  Weisbrod and Van Hoof (2011) postulate that, pampers a type of disposable baby diaper, is one of the top-selling products globally.

Weisbrod and Van Hoof (2011) postulate that, pampers a type of disposable baby diaper, is one of the top-selling products globally.  Disposable diapers have actually become a symbol of prosperity and complexity. Assadourian (2012) further, postulates that, since their entrance into the market, disposable diapers have become a symbol of affluence and sophistication.  Pendry et al. (2012) added that, disposable diapers have become highly commoditized as they are regarded as an epitome of modernization.  They have in actual fact become a necessity rather than a luxury in fast paced lives.

The increased use of disposable diapers is associated with a number of environmental health challenges. Used diapers have two main routes of disposals, they either find their way to the disposal sites and landfills, or they litter public spaces where they are an aesthetic nuisance (Meallem et al. 2010). Unlike in the developed countries where the disposal of waste is more developed, with separation at the source, developing countries such as Cameroon still use traditional methods of mixing waste and dumping it at the tipping sites (Manga et al., 2008).

The refuse disposal systems are inadequate and it is common to find refuse containing human waste such as disposable diapers mixed with other domestic waste (Tambe et al., 2012). This negligent disposal of soiled disposable diapers therefore increases the amount of human excreta in solid waste. It also exposes people who deal with solid waste such as municipal employees and waste pickers to contaminants which could cause serious illnesses as they may handle raw faecal matter in the process of disposing of soiled disposable diapers.  Waste pickers use bare hands to salvage materials and food disposed of at the landfills (Mangizvo and Mupindu, 2012).

 

1.2 Statement of the problem

The increased use of disposable diapers is associated with a number of environmental health challenges. According to Meallem et al. (2010), soiled diapers have two destinations.  They either find their way to the disposal sites and landfills, or they litter public spaces where they are an aesthetic nuisance (Ayalon et al, 2009; Meallem et al. 2010). Unlike in the developed countries where the disposal of waste is more developed, with separation at the source, developing countries such as Cameroon still use traditional methods of mixing waste and dumping it at the tipping sites (Human Rights Watch, 2013).

The refuse disposal systems are inadequate and it is common to find refuse containing human waste such as disposable diapers mixed with other domestic waste.  This negligent disposal of soiled disposable diapers therefore increases the amount of human excreta in solid waste.  It also exposes people who deal with solid waste such as municipal employees and waste pickers to contaminants which could cause serious illnesses as they may handle raw faecal matter in the process of disposing of soiled disposable diapers.

A large percent of municipal solid waste consists of disposable diapers. Diapers are made of different materials on which some cannot decompose. This becomes a challenge in the landfill. The soiled diapers have become a cause of concern as they are disposed in near-by bushes. Dogs help in spreading them everywhere and because some contain human excreta, they can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Not only that, they taint the sight creating an ugly face of the environment, and also facilitates the lifecycle of pathogenic-organisms. Proper disposal of diapers reduces incidences of contamination of drainage water, which can subsequently lead to diarrheal diseases. The problem statement is based on the fact that, there is little or no literature on diapers and napkin usage in Cameroon. Also, the prevalence of disposable baby diapers in illegal dumping sites and at the city’s official dump site is quite significant. The study therefore is aimed at understanding, why there was a sudden upsurge in the use of disposable baby diapers in Buea; the most preferred brand type, how the consumers dealt with the disposal of diapers; and recommended ways of improving the disposal of the used diapers.

 

1.3 Objective of the study

1.3.1 Main Objectives

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of usage of diapers and napkin among nursing mothers in Buea Municipality and their disposal practices.

1.3.2 Specific objectives

1. To determine the most, prefer type of diapers used by nursing mothers in Buea Municipality.
2. To access the market price of preferred diaper brands and napkin used by nursing mothers.

• To assess the method of disposal of diapers and napkin in to the environment

 

1.4 Research questions

1. What is the most preferred type of diapers used by nursing mothers in Buea Municipality?
2. What is the market prices of the various diapers brands and napkin used by nursing mothers?
3. What are the methods of disposal of diapers and napkin in to the environment?