HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO INADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY AMONG THE PEOPLE OF MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AREA OF BRONO STATE, NIGERIA

HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO INADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY AMONG THE PEOPLE OF MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AREA OF BRONO STATE, NIGERIA

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Background of the study

Access to adequate water supply is a critical determinant of public health and well-being. In many developing regions, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area in Borno State, Nigeria, inadequate water supply poses significant health risks to the population. The health implications of water scarcity in such areas are profound, encompassing a range of diseases and health conditions.

Waterborne diseases are a primary health concern in areas with insufficient water supply. The absence of clean and safe water leads to the proliferation of pathogens that cause diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever (Murray & Hunter, 2015). In Maiduguri, the situation is exacerbated by the displacement of populations due to ongoing conflict, which further strains the already limited water resources (Olanrewaju et al., 2019).

In addition to waterborne diseases, inadequate water supply affects hygiene practices, leading to increased incidences of skin infections and other hygiene-related diseases. The World Health Organization (2017) reports that inadequate access to water for personal hygiene is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. In Maiduguri, limited water availability means that many residents cannot maintain adequate personal and domestic hygiene, which exacerbates health issues.

Moreover, the scarcity of water in Maiduguri has profound implications for food security and nutrition. Agriculture, which depends heavily on water, is a major source of livelihood in the region. Water scarcity reduces agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and malnutrition (Goni et al., 2015). This nutritional deficit further weakens the immune systems of the population, making them more susceptible to diseases.

The impact of inadequate water supply on maternal and child health is particularly severe. Pregnant women and young children are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of water scarcity. According to UNICEF (2016), poor water quality and insufficient water for hygiene contribute significantly to maternal and infant mortality rates. In Maiduguri, the lack of clean water for childbirth and postnatal care increases the risk of infections and complications.

Furthermore, the psychological stress associated with the struggle to secure adequate water supplies cannot be overlooked. The daily task of fetching water often falls on women and children, who must travel long distances under unsafe conditions. This not only exposes them to physical risks but also contributes to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (Oshoma & Wakawa, 2018).

Addressing the health problems related to inadequate water supply in Maiduguri requires a multifaceted approach. Improving water infrastructure, promoting sustainable water management practices, and ensuring equitable access to water are essential steps. Additionally, public health initiatives that focus on education about hygiene practices and the importance of clean water can help mitigate the health risks associated with water scarcity.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area in Borno State, Nigeria, faces a severe challenge with inadequate water supply, which significantly impacts the health of its population. Despite numerous interventions, the region continues to struggle with water scarcity, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and displacement. This inadequate water supply has led to a myriad of health problems, including the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever. Additionally, the lack of sufficient water for personal and domestic hygiene has resulted in increased incidences of skin infections and other hygiene-related health issues.

The situation is further compounded by the adverse effects on food security and nutrition, as water scarcity hampers agricultural productivity, leading to malnutrition and weakened immune systems. Vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and young children, face heightened health risks due to poor water quality and insufficient water for proper hygiene and healthcare. The daily burden of fetching water, often borne by women and children, also exposes them to physical risks and mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

Despite the critical nature of this issue, there is a lack of comprehensive research that systematically examines the specific health problems arising from inadequate water supply in Maiduguri. Understanding the full scope and interconnections of these health issues is essential for developing effective interventions and policies. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the health problems related to inadequate water supply among the people of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area, providing a foundation for targeted health and infrastructure improvements to mitigate these adverse effects.

 

1.3 Objective of the study

1. To examine if inadequate water supply causes Dehydration among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria.
2. To examine if inadequate water supply causes Waterborne Diseases among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria.
3. To examine if inadequate water supply causes Malnutrition among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

1. Does inadequate water supply cause Dehydration among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria?
2. Does inadequate water supply cause Waterborne Diseases among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria?
3. Does inadequate water supply cause Malnutrition among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria?

 

 

 

1.5 Research hypotheses

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant association between inadequate water supply and health problems among the people of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant association between inadequate water supply and health problems among the people of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study holds several significant implications:

Public Health Intervention: Findings from this research will inform targeted public health interventions aimed at addressing the specific health challenges arising from inadequate water supply in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area.

Policy Development: Evidence-based recommendations generated from the study will assist policymakers in formulating policies and strategies to improve water access and mitigate health risks in the region.

Community Empowerment: By understanding the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to health problems related to water scarcity, this study can empower communities to advocate for their rights to clean and safe water.

Academic Contribution: The study contributes to the body of academic literature on the intersection of water scarcity and public health, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area.

Humanitarian Efforts: The research findings can guide humanitarian organizations and aid agencies in prioritizing resources and interventions to address the most pressing health needs of the population.

1.7 Scope of the study

This study focuses to examine if inadequate water supply causes Dehydration among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria, examine if inadequate water supply causes Waterborne Diseases among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria, and examine if inadequate water supply causes Malnutrition among the people of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria. Hence residents of Maiduguri metropolitan council Area of brono state, Nigeria shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.9 Definition of terms

Inadequate Water Supply: Refers to the insufficient availability of clean and safe water for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, and other domestic purposes.

Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted through contaminated water sources and include diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever.

Hygiene-Related Health Issues: Health problems resulting from poor hygiene practices due to limited access to water, including skin infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal disorders.

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