Background of the Study
Flooding is a natural disaster that poses significant health risks, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation and water management systems. In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, floods increase the incidence of waterborne diseases by contaminating drinking water sources with pathogens (Musa et al., 2024). Kwara State, located in the north-central region of Nigeria, is prone to seasonal flooding, especially during the rainy season. This flooding results in the contamination of water sources and contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever, which are transmitted through contaminated water (Ibrahim et al., 2023).
The link between flooding and the spread of waterborne diseases is well-documented, with studies showing that flood events increase the risk of outbreaks due to the overflow of sewage, improper waste disposal, and the destruction of water supply systems (Adeyemi et al., 2023). In Kwara State, flooding exacerbates the vulnerability of communities, particularly those in low-lying areas with poor infrastructure and limited access to safe drinking water. This study seeks to examine the effect of flooding on the incidence of waterborne diseases in Kwara State, with a focus on identifying the factors that contribute to the increased risk of disease outbreaks during flood events.
Statement of the Problem
The recurrent flooding in Kwara State has become a significant public health challenge, as it leads to the contamination of water sources and the spread of waterborne diseases. Flood-related outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and other gastrointestinal diseases are frequent during the rainy season, overwhelming health facilities and causing a strain on the state's healthcare system (Akinyemi et al., 2023). Despite efforts to improve sanitation and water management, the impact of flooding on waterborne disease incidence remains high. There is a need for a comprehensive investigation into the specific relationship between flooding events and the occurrence of waterborne diseases in Kwara State, in order to develop targeted strategies for disease prevention and mitigation.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the relationship between flooding events and the incidence of waterborne diseases in Kwara State.
2. To identify the factors that contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases during flood events in Kwara State.
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of flood prevention and water sanitation measures in reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases in Kwara State.
Research Questions
1. How do flooding events in Kwara State affect the incidence of waterborne diseases?
2. What factors contribute to the increased risk of waterborne diseases during flood events in Kwara State?
3. How effective are flood prevention and water sanitation measures in reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases in Kwara State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Flooding events in Kwara State are positively correlated with an increase in the incidence of waterborne diseases.
2. Poor sanitation and inadequate water management systems significantly contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases during flooding events in Kwara State.
3. Flood prevention and water sanitation measures significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in Kwara State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the effect of flooding on the incidence of waterborne diseases in Kwara State, examining both urban and rural areas that are prone to flooding. The study will assess factors such as water source contamination, sanitation practices, and the effectiveness of public health measures. Limitations include challenges in collecting data during flood events and potential biases in health records.
Definition of Terms
• Flooding: The overflow of water onto land that is usually dry, often resulting from heavy rainfall or the breach of water barriers.
• Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by the ingestion of contaminated water, including diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
• Sanitation Measures: Practices aimed at maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination of water sources, such as waste management and water treatment systems.
• Flood Prevention: Strategies and infrastructure designed to mitigate the impact of flooding, such as drainage systems and flood barriers.
Background of the Study
IT asset management (ITAM) tools are critical for businesses to track, manage, and optimize their IT assets. By p...
Chapter One: Introduction
Background of the Study
Mental health care remains a critical yet underserved area of healthcare globally, and Nigeria i...
Background of the Study
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major public health concern globally, with a rising incidence in developing cou...
Background of the study
Poverty is a critical socio-economic challenge that significantly influences educational outcomes,...
Background of the Study:
Waterborne diseases continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in many...
Background of the study
Maternal depression is a critical public health concern that affects mothers&rsqu...
Background of the Study
Folk songs in Ika North East Local Government Area have long been an integral medium for preserving...
ABSTRACT
Universities’ inadequate provision of human resources, material resources and infrastructural facilities due to poor fundi...
Background of the Study
Historical Hausa texts from Kano provide a rich resource for exploring language contact phenomena....