Evaluation of the Effects of Rapid Urban Population Growth on the Health Infrastructures in Selected Urban Centers in Anambra State.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to ascertain the effects of rapid urban population growth on the health infrastructures in selected urban centres in Anambra State. The study adopted survey research design, using the questionnaire as the main instrument of data generation. Considering the study area, the three major urban centers selected are incorporated into two local government each that is Nnewi north and south for Nnewi, Awka north and south for Awka and Onitsha north and south for Onitsha. A total of 405 persons were sampled, that is 135 each from Awka, Nnewi, and Onitsha. Stratified Random Sampling technique was employed in distributing the questionnaires, with the mean cut–off being applied on the 5–point likert scale questionnaire to analyse the responses. The research established that population growth in the selected urban centres (Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha) negatively affects social infrastructures such as health, recreational and educational facilities. That the effects of population growth on health infrastructure in the three urban centres are significantly the same. The study have been able to prove that health infrastructure are significantly affected on by population growth in the selected areas. The impact of population growth on social / health infrastructure is the same in Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka. In line with the findings, the following were recommended: There is need to plan and execute a strategic population census, to create a database with the actual population of the actual inhabitants of the urban centres as this is vital to population projections and planning of sustainable social infrastructure (like for today and a target future say next 20-50years). Existing health infrastructures should be expanded in the three urban centres while new ones be initiated to carter for present and future population. High quality/durable materials should be used for health infrastructure construction. More sound health infrastructures should be initiated in the rural areas to reduce population growth in urban areas. Implementation of high quality service delivery in rural areas will reduce population growth in urban centres. In the light of sustainable development it is pertinent that urban population growth is checked for the sake of the present and future generation. KEYWORDS: Urban Population Growth, Effects on Health Infrastructure DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-4-06 Publication date: February 29 th 2020