Post-Flood Morbidity Pattern In An Underserved Community: A Case Study Of Adankolo 'Egbe/Agbayi' Settlement In Lokoja, Kogi State
Résumé
Flooding is a natural disaster that can change the morbidity pattern in an area, cause epidemics, and introduce new diseases. These health implications are worse in developing countries with weak health systems like Nigeria. This paper studies the post-flood morbidity pattern in a flood-prone settlement of Adankolo, Lokoja, in Kogi State of Nigeria, which was completely submerged between September and early October 2022, in one of the worst flood disasters of the state.
The study design was mixed; as both quantitative and qualitative data were utilized. The Primary Health Centre (PHC) and the Patent Medicine Stores (PMS) in the study area were the sources of data. The health records of the PHC concerning the morbidity pattern during a period of three months before and after the flood was used. A semi-structured one-on-one interview was also carried out in the PMS concerning commonest post-flood health complaints.
The results show poor patronage of the PHC for primary care and increased patronage during the post-flood period. Malaria (22%), Upper respiratory tract infection (16.9%), and Hypertension (15.3%) were the most reported diseases; followed by Gastrointestinal symptoms (13.5%), insomnia and Myalgia (11.9%), and Measles (10.2%). There was an unusually high incidence of skin diseases like scabies, and cutaneous larva migrans.
Resettlement of flood-prone settlements and flood mitigation measures should be prioritized. More commitment towards universal health coverage and increasing patronage of the PHCs should also be made. Emergency provision of medical care like immunizations and provision of medicines to settlements post-flood should be a priority.
Origine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
---|