Effect of Water-Borne Disease on Health Outcome in Delta State, Nigeria

Efe, Erhuotor Ejiro

Effect of Water-Borne Disease on Health Outcome in Delta State, Nigeria

Efe, Erhuotor Ejiro

URI: http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/611

Date: 2023

Abstract:

This study investigates the effect of water-borne diseases on health outcomes in Delta State, Nigeria. The Cost of Illness Theory serves as the theoretical framework for this study. Data for the research were primarily gathered through questionnaires administered to 345 respondents. Logistic regression models analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v23 were employed to test the relationship between the predictors: namely Cholera (CHR), Typhoid (TYR), Hepatitis A (HAR), and Amoebiasis (AMR), and the dependent variable: life expectancy (LEX). The findings revealed a statistically significant and negative relationship between Cholera Rate (CHR), Typhoid Rate (TYR), Hepatitis A Rate (HAR), Amoebiasis Rate (AMR) and life expectancy (LEX) in Delta State. This research concludes that water-borne diseases have a profound effect on health outcomes in Delta state. Consequently, it is recommended that vaccination programs be integrated into routine immunization strategies. Moreover, Delta State should prioritize sanitation improvements and access to clean water sources. Investments in proper sewage disposal and the provision of safe drinking water, particularly in underserved areas, are essential. These improvements will not only reduce the economic burden but also enhance public health and well-being.

Description:

Water cover more than 71% of the surface of the Earth, and that is the reason for it being called ‘The Blue Planet’, USGS, (2021). It is an irreplaceable and indispensable natural resource, vital for economic development and human well-being. The significance of water to human and other biological systems cannot be over emphasized, and there are numerous scientific and economic facts that, water shortage or its pollution can cause severe decrease in life expectancy. Julien and Griffith (2010). The quality of drinking water is a powerful environmental determinant of health. Gbenga & Seun (2014). Consumption of quality water serves as a pillar for preventing water-borne diseases such as cholera (WHO, 2011), thus, the provision of safe water is of great concern in most developing countries (Pritchard, Mkandawire, & O’Neill, 2008). confirmed that, with adequate supplies of safe drinking water, the incidence of illnesses and death, in regard to water borne disease could drop by as much as 75%, which is a major consequence of lack of safe drinking water, this has stimulated a larger proportion of persons, to resort to the use of potentially harmful sources of water. The implication of this is that people are exposed to cycles of innumerable water borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, etc. UNICEF, (2010).

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