An Assessment of Child-Killer Disease in Relation to Environment:
Case Study of Jekadafari Gombe-Nigeria
Adamu, S.J1, Ibrahim, A.Q2 and Mahmoud, A.B3
1Department of Geography, Gombe State University, Tudunwada, Gombe.
2Department of Chemistry, Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.
3Department of Biological Sciences, Gombe State University, Tudunwada, Gombe.
E-mail: sanidaddy@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the level of child-killer diseases in relation to environment in Jekadafari area of Gombe metropolis. Ninety five questionnaires were administered, and seventy five were filled and returned. The cluster random sampling methodology was used, and percentage scores were used to analyze the data collected. The existing data were analyzed using correlation method. The research has confirmed that relationship exists between the diseases under study and the poor sanitary condition of the area at 0.05 significant levels. Meaning that in every 1000 cases of illness, there is every tendency of having 95% of the patients to be either of the three diseases under study, and the remaining 5% to be of any other diseases beside the ones under study. This result is attributed to the 2004 flood disaster in Gombe which led to the blockages of drainages in the area. While the remaining years under study relationship exists but not at significant level, meaning that out of 1000 cases of illness, there is every possibility of having any other disease beside the ones under study. It was recommended that government should employ the services of health inspectors/educators for educating and sensitizing the inhabitants of the area on child-killer diseases in relation to environment and their effects. Government, community and civil society organizations should provide potable drinking water, adequate local incinerators for refuse collection. Also the government should encourage the idea of “house to house” weekly inspection to ensure that personal hygienic conditions are being observed.