An appraisal of the relationship between air pollution and respiratory diseases in Gombe State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Air pollution is a global environmental issue that has significant implications for public health, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and industrializing areas. In many developing countries, including Nigeria, air pollution levels have reached concerning levels due to factors such as increasing vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and deforestation. Gombe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, is one of the states experiencing urban growth and increasing industrialization, which contributes to the deterioration of air quality. The impact of air pollution on respiratory health, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, is well-documented (Adebayo et al., 2023).
According to the World Health Organization (2024), over 7 million people globally die every year from the effects of air pollution, with respiratory diseases being the most common cause of death. In Nigeria, studies have shown a correlation between rising levels of air pollutants like particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and increased cases of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis (Salako et al., 2023). The presence of these pollutants in the air exacerbates respiratory conditions and contributes to the overall public health burden. However, specific studies in Gombe State on the effects of air pollution on respiratory diseases remain scarce, necessitating further investigation into the extent of this relationship.
Gombe State’s air pollution is primarily attributed to vehicular emissions, agricultural practices, and the burning of fossil fuels. These sources of pollution pose risks not only to the environment but also to human health, contributing to chronic diseases and increasing the incidence of hospital visits for respiratory conditions. Understanding the impact of these pollutants on respiratory health is critical to developing effective public health interventions, policymaking, and environmental regulations to mitigate health risks. By appraising the relationship between air pollution and respiratory diseases, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the state of public health in Gombe and advocate for the implementation of more sustainable environmental practices.
Statement of the Problem
The link between air pollution and respiratory diseases has been well established globally; however, localized studies focusing on specific regions in Nigeria, such as Gombe State, remain limited. In Gombe, increasing urbanization, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities have contributed to a rising level of air pollutants, but there is a lack of comprehensive data on how these pollutants specifically affect respiratory health in the region. Preliminary reports from healthcare facilities suggest an uptick in cases of asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, but these reports are anecdotal and not based on systematic research. This presents a gap in the existing literature, hindering the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of respiratory diseases related to air pollution.
Moreover, the absence of an evidence-based approach to understanding the relationship between air quality and respiratory health impedes the ability of health policymakers and environmental regulators to formulate effective strategies for improving air quality and public health. The problem is compounded by limited funding and resources dedicated to air quality monitoring in Gombe, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the health risks posed by air pollution. This research seeks to fill this gap by providing empirical evidence on the effects of air pollution on respiratory diseases in Gombe State and offering recommendations for improving air quality and mitigating health risks.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the correlation between air pollution levels and the prevalence of respiratory diseases in Gombe State.
2. To identify the specific air pollutants most strongly associated with respiratory diseases in Gombe State.
3. To recommend policy interventions aimed at reducing air pollution and improving respiratory health in Gombe State.
Research Questions
1. What is the relationship between air pollution levels and the prevalence of respiratory diseases in Gombe State?
2. Which air pollutants have the greatest impact on respiratory diseases in Gombe State?
3. What policy interventions can be recommended to reduce air pollution and mitigate respiratory diseases in Gombe State?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant positive relationship between air pollution levels and the prevalence of respiratory diseases in Gombe State.
2. Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) is the air pollutant most strongly associated with respiratory diseases in Gombe State.
3. Policy interventions aimed at reducing air pollution will result in a decrease in the prevalence of respiratory diseases in Gombe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on the relationship between air pollution and respiratory diseases in Gombe State, Nigeria, over the past five years. It will investigate the levels of key pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide and examine their association with common respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. The scope of this study is limited to Gombe State and will primarily involve data collection from healthcare facilities, environmental monitoring stations, and air quality monitoring reports.
Limitations of the study include the availability of accurate air quality data, as air pollution monitoring infrastructure is still developing in Nigeria. Additionally, self-reported data from patients may introduce biases, as individuals may underreport or misattribute their symptoms. The study will also be limited by time constraints, as longitudinal data spanning several decades may not be available.
Definitions of Terms
• Air Pollution: The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, particularly those resulting from human activities such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and agricultural practices (World Health Organization, 2023).
• Respiratory Diseases: Medical conditions affecting the lungs and airways, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis, often exacerbated by environmental factors like air pollution (National Institute of Health, 2023).
• Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5): Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, with PM10 particles having a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, and PM2.5 particles being 2.5 micrometers or smaller, which can be inhaled into the lungs and contribute to respiratory health issues (Environmental Protection Agency, 2024).
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Gaseous pollutants emitted from vehicle engines and industrial processes that can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain (Adebayo et al., 2023).
Related Project Materials
Optimization of AI-Based Chatbots for Teaching Assistance in Secondary Schools in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State
Background of the Study
Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbots have gained popularity in education as a tool for enhancin...
An evaluation of the psychological impact of family structure on adolescent behavior in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State
Background of the Study
Family structure plays a pivotal role in shaping adolescent behavior, influencing emotional develo...
THE ROLE OF BUDGETING IN STRATEGIC PLANNING
THE ROLE OF BUDGETING IN STRATEGIC PLANNING
The objectives of this research are to: (1) investigate how budgeting integr...
The impact of decentralization on Hausa language planning in Kano
Background of the Study
Decentralization has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing local governance and fostering commun...
An evaluation of the role of youth associations in fostering community development in Owerri Municipal Local Government Area, Imo State
Background of the Study
Youth associations have emerged as dynamic agents of change in community developm...
THE ROLE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
ABSTRACT: The role of vocational education in promoting sustainable tourism development is vital for fostering responsible tourism practices a...
HAZARDS OF JOURNALISM PROFESSION UNDER MILITARY REGIME (FROM 1993 – 1998)
ABSTRACT
The core theoretical framework on which this study anchors is to assess the legal problems/dangers vis a vis others that exis...
The Impact of Social Media on Nigerian Linguistic Identity: A Case Study of Twitter and Facebook Movements
Background of the study
Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have become integral to the construction of linguistic identi...
An investigation of the effects of remittances on household welfare in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State.
Background of the Study:
Remittances, the funds transferred by migrants to their home communities, play a critical role in...
An Examination of the Role of Internships in Developing Future Auditors: A Study of KPMG Nigeria Internship Programs
Background of the Study
Internships serve as a bridge between academic learning and practical experienc...
