Climate change evidence and effects of climate‐change‐related diseases on children's health

Abstract

Children are usually perceived as the age group that is the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This paper examined the effects of climate‐change‐related diseases on children's health in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Systematic random sampling was used to select households from the 12 wards in the study area. A questionnaire focusing on perceived evidence of climate change and perceived factors contributing to the incidence of climate‐change‐related diseases was administered to 120 respondents. Hospital records of children under 13 years of age diagnosed with climate‐change‐related ailments were compiled. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Harsh weather conditions and the outbreak of tropical diseases were the most significant evidence of climate change, with both having the same households’ perceived climate change evidence agreement index (HPCCEAI) of 4.93. Increased pollution resulting from the use of domestic generators and industrial plants was the most perceived significant factor contributing to climate change with an HPCCEAI of 4.80, followed by incessant refuse burning (HPCCEAI = 4.68). Two of the most prevalent diseases were malaria (39.9%) and diarrhea (20.4%). The incidence of the diseases varied over the years. Infants (32.3%) and toddlers (24.0%), who were children less than 3 years of age, were found to be the most susceptible to climate‐change‐related diseases than other age groups. It is recommended that the government should make efforts to regulate climate change causative factors and improve the quality of health services rendered to children.