Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article

A qualitative study on the morbidity experiences of under-five children in oil spill communities

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Submitted   Feb 6, 2023
Published   May 2, 2023
Issue    Vol 4 No 1 (2023)
DOI   10.25082/HE.2023.01.002

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Pearl Abereton corresponding author
Department of Environmental Health, African Centre of Excellence, Centre for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State 500004, Nigeria
Best Ordinioha
Department of Environmental Health, African Centre of Excellence, Centre for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State 500004, Nigeria
Jacob Mensah-Attipoe
1. Department of Environmental Health, African Centre of Excellence, Centre for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State 500004, Nigeria; 2. School of Health Care and Social Services, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Microkatu 1, Kuopio 70210, Finland
Oluyemi Toyinbo
1. Department of Environmental Health, African Centre of Excellence, Centre for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State 500004, Nigeria; 2. Good indoor air and building health research unit, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, Oulu 90570, Finland

Abstract

Introduction: Under-five years old (U5) children that reside in oil spill communities are exposed to various pollutants, and therefore are prone to respiratory symptoms and diseases. This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of U5 children residing in these communities.
Methods: The study was done in August, 2022 , on eleven caregivers/parents of U5 children, aged 26-45 years old via purposive sampling. This study utilized a phenomenological research design through in-depth interviews and audio recordings.
Results: Findings revealed that numerous oil spills have occurred, and are still occurring. According to the respondents, these spills are caused majorly by poor maintenance of old, rusted pipelines of oil companies; and pipeline vandalism, leading to land, water and air pollution. Results also showed that these spills have led to several adverse respiratory health (RH) experiences in U5, including cough, catarrh, chest pain and other health emergencies that have resulted in frequent hospital visitations and admissions like difficulty/fast breathing, pneumonia, hemoptysis, exacerbation of previously existing conditions, asthma development, etc. The destruction of their source of livelihood, have contributed to worsening these symptoms.
Conclusion: U5 children living in crude oil polluted areas are burdened with a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases. Implementation of already existing regulatory laws on oil pollution, prompt clean-up of oil spills, provision of standard health facilities, and trained health personnels, were some of the measures recommended to curb the menace of crude oil spills and its RH effects.

Keywords
respiratory health, under-five children, phenomenology, crude oil spill, air quality

Article Details

How to Cite
Abereton, P., Ordinioha, B., Mensah-Attipoe, J., & Toyinbo, O. (2023). A qualitative study on the morbidity experiences of under-five children in oil spill communities. Health and Environment, 4(1), 198-208. https://doi.org/10.25082/HE.2023.01.002
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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