Reducing the Environmental Health-Risks of Vulnerable Group in High-Density District of Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

The environment is a composite of behavioural settings which greatly affects our health.
Environmental factors that affect health are in turn linked to underlying pressures in the
environment. In this study, some ecological factors were investigated and found responsible for ill
health that sometimes results to loss of human lives. The paper seeks to determine how to reduce
such health-risk factors among the vulnerable group of congested residential areas in Nigerian cities,
particularly the city of Akure. To effectively carry out this task, however, data are obtained on
environmental variables involving housing conditions, source of water supply, methods of sewage
and refuse disposal as well as information on health condition of residents in the area. The primary
data used were collected through questionnaire administration, direct observation, building
demographic and facility survey. The research population was based on total number of existing
building from which a sample of 20.0% was taken for interview. Findings from the study show that
environmental variables are significantly related to health condition of people living in the area.
Meanwhile, policy guidelines were suggested which include redevelopment, the use of Urban Basic
Service scheme to upgrading and provide essential facilities for the resident of the area. Thorough
sanitary inspection, public enlightenment and environmental education would equally be of benefit
to sustain all efforts aimed to reduce the menace in such area.