The Effects of Climate on the Occurrence of Diarrhoea in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

For years, studies have shown that climate affected man, especially in the spread of diseases. Diarrhoea is a known climate-sensitive disease. Hence, climate favours the occurrence of diarrhoea as changes in climatic variables causes pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, etc., to mature faster. This study evaluated the effects of climate on the occurrence of diarrhoea in the south-south region of Nigeria. Archival yearly climate (rainfall, temperature, and humidity) and diarrhoea data were collected for 30 years (1992-2921). The diarrhoea data were collected from government hospitals and the Ministry of Health in the six state capitals of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states respectively. The climate data were down scaled at 5o x 5o gridded CRUTEM4 2019-12 grid boxes and Cruts_4. 04. The multiple regression analysis was employed, and the result for climatic factors showed a significant relationship F (3, 26) = 8.903, p (.000) < 0.05; the correlation coefficient R = .712, and the R-square (coefficient of determination) was .507. The study established a statistically significant relationship between climate factors and diarrhoea. The coefficient showed that rainfall, temperature, and humidity had significant effect on the occurrence of diarrhoea. This study incorporated socioeconomic factors and administered 30 questionnaires to 30 medical consultants in the region to ascertain whether socioeconomic factors act as catalyst in the spread of diarrhoea. This was done based on 6 medical consultants in each of the government hospitals located in the state capitals. The result for climate and socioeconomic factors showed a significant relationship F (11, 18) = 9.400, p (.000) < 0.05; the correlation coefficient R = .923, and the R-square = .852. This indicated that socioeconomic factors act as catalyst to the spread of diarrhoea The study highlighted the need for people in the region to be sensitised on the dangers of climate vagaries, especially on diarrhoea occurrence, and should be enlightened on the causes and prevention of diarrhoea. It suggested that personal hygiene should be encouraged, and health services provided, especially in remote areas.