Background of the Study
Waterborne diseases represent a significant public health challenge in Niger State, where inadequate water sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water contribute to the high prevalence of infections such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. These diseases have a profound impact on community health, particularly among school-aged children who are more susceptible to illness due to their developing immune systems (Abdullahi, 2023). The transmission of waterborne pathogens is closely linked to environmental conditions and socio-economic factors, making it a critical area of concern for public health and educational outcomes in the state.
Poor water quality and insufficient sanitation facilities in both households and schools have led to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, which in turn result in high absenteeism among students. Children suffering from these illnesses are forced to miss school, disrupting their education and negatively affecting academic performance. Additionally, the burden on families and the local healthcare system further exacerbates the socio-economic challenges faced by communities in Niger State (Ibrahim, 2024). This cyclical relationship between health and education creates long-term implications for human capital development in the region.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of waterborne diseases on school attendance in Niger State by analyzing health and educational data alongside environmental assessments. The research will assess the prevalence of waterborne diseases among schoolchildren, determine the correlation between disease outbreaks and absenteeism rates, and explore the underlying factors contributing to these health challenges. By integrating quantitative data from school records and health facilities with qualitative insights from teachers, parents, and students, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how waterborne diseases affect educational outcomes. The findings will be instrumental in guiding public health interventions and educational policies aimed at mitigating the impact of these diseases and improving school attendance in Niger State (James, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
In Niger State, waterborne diseases have emerged as a persistent threat to public health and education. The prevalence of infections such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever has not only strained healthcare resources but also significantly disrupted school attendance among children. Frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases lead to prolonged absences from school, hindering the academic progress of students and exacerbating educational disparities in the region (Abdullahi, 2023). Despite ongoing efforts to improve water quality and sanitation, many communities continue to face challenges in accessing safe water, resulting in recurring health crises that directly impact school performance.
The problem is further compounded by inadequate infrastructure within schools, where a lack of proper sanitation facilities contributes to the spread of disease. Teachers and parents have raised concerns about the negative effects of frequent illness on children’s learning abilities and overall educational outcomes. Moreover, the absence of a systematic monitoring system linking water quality issues to school absenteeism has impeded the development of effective interventions (Ibrahim, 2024). As a result, the cycle of poor health and low educational attainment continues, undermining efforts to improve human capital development in Niger State.
This study is designed to address these challenges by investigating the relationship between waterborne diseases and school attendance. By analyzing health records, school attendance data, and conducting interviews with key stakeholders, the research will identify the critical factors contributing to absenteeism and propose targeted interventions. Without a clear understanding of these dynamics, public health and education authorities will remain ill-equipped to break the cycle of disease and educational disruption, thereby perpetuating long-term socio-economic challenges in the region (James, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will target selected schools in Niger State, utilizing health records, attendance data, and interviews with stakeholders. Limitations include potential variability in data quality across different schools and challenges in isolating waterborne diseases from other causes of absenteeism.
Definitions of Terms
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