Background of the Study:
Poverty is a major determinant of health and has been linked to a higher prevalence of certain diseases, often referred to as poverty-related diseases. In Kwara State, widespread poverty contributes significantly to the incidence of infectious and neglected tropical diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and helminth infections. Low-income populations frequently live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, which facilitate the transmission of infectious agents (Adebola, 2023). In addition, inadequate access to clean water, poor nutrition, and limited healthcare services further exacerbate the risk of developing such diseases. The interplay between poverty and disease is complex; poverty not only increases disease exposure but also limits the ability of affected individuals to seek timely and effective treatment. This vicious cycle reinforces the burden of disease among the poorest communities.
Environmental factors, including substandard housing and sanitation, are closely linked to the spread of communicable diseases in Kwara State. Moreover, the social determinants of health—such as education, employment, and access to healthcare—are severely compromised in impoverished communities, thereby increasing vulnerability to illnesses. Local studies have indicated that poverty-related diseases impose substantial economic costs, both in terms of healthcare expenditures and lost productivity (Ibrahim, 2024). Furthermore, the stigma associated with some of these diseases can further isolate affected individuals, perpetuating cycles of poverty and ill-health.
While government and non-governmental organizations have implemented interventions such as mass drug administration and public health campaigns, the sustainability and reach of these programs remain questionable. Integrated approaches that address both the immediate health needs and the underlying social determinants are critical. Recent research underscores the importance of multi-sectoral interventions that combine economic empowerment, improved living conditions, and enhanced access to healthcare to effectively reduce the burden of poverty-related diseases (Fatima, 2025). This study will investigate the prevalence of such diseases in relation to socioeconomic status, evaluate current intervention strategies, and explore opportunities for more holistic, integrated approaches to improve health outcomes in Kwara State.
Statement of the Problem :
In Kwara State, poverty remains a pervasive issue that significantly contributes to the high incidence of poverty-related diseases. Communities with low income often experience poor sanitation, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare, all of which facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and parasitic infections (Umar, 2023). Despite some government-led public health initiatives, these conditions persist, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates among vulnerable populations. The burden of disease is further compounded by a lack of effective health education and limited economic resources to support sustainable prevention and treatment strategies.
The absence of a robust social safety net leaves many individuals unable to afford proper medical care or nutritious food, thus weakening their immune systems and increasing their susceptibility to diseases. In Kwara State, the interplay of environmental, economic, and social factors creates a challenging scenario in which poverty-related diseases thrive. Furthermore, healthcare infrastructure in impoverished areas is often under-resourced, limiting early diagnosis and timely treatment. These issues not only perpetuate the cycle of poverty and ill-health but also impose a significant economic burden on the state’s healthcare system. Without addressing the root causes of poverty, efforts to reduce disease prevalence have been largely ineffective.
This study seeks to identify the key poverty-related factors that contribute to disease incidence in Kwara State, evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions, and propose recommendations for integrated strategies that can alleviate both poverty and its associated health burdens.
Objectives of the Study:
Research Questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study will focus on rural and urban communities in Kwara State. Limitations include potential self-reporting bias in socioeconomic data and challenges in isolating the impact of individual determinants from broader systemic factors.
Definitions of Terms:
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