CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In Nigeria, combating infectious diseases remains a critical public health challenge, necessitating innovative and effective strategies to mitigate their impact on communities. Community-based interventions have emerged as promising avenues for addressing the multifaceted nature of infectious diseases, considering the diverse social, economic, and cultural contexts prevalent in the country. This introduction explores the effectiveness of community-based interventions in Nigeria's fight against infectious diseases, focusing on their ability to enhance disease prevention, surveillance, and response efforts. Oleribe, O. O., Ezieme, I. P., Oladipo, O., & Akinola, E. P. (2018).
Community-based interventions in Nigeria involve the active participation and engagement of local communities in various health-related activities, such as awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and disease monitoring. These initiatives leverage existing community structures and resources, fostering a collaborative approach that aligns with the socio-cultural dynamics of the population. By empowering communities to take ownership of their health, these interventions contribute to the development of sustainable and contextually relevant strategies for infectious disease control. Umeokonkwo, C. D., Madubueze, U. C., Ughasoro, M. D., & Onwujekwe, O. E. (2019).
Several studies have documented the positive impact of community-based interventions on infectious disease outcomes in Nigeria. For instance, a study by Oleribe et al. (2018) highlights the effectiveness of community engagement in the control of diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the work of Umeokonkwo et al. (2019) emphasizes the role of community-based interventions in improving vaccination coverage, a critical component of infectious disease prevention. These findings underscore the potential of community-driven approaches to address the unique challenges posed by infectious diseases in the Nigerian context.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.2 Statement of the Problem
In Nigeria, the persistent challenge of infectious diseases poses a substantial threat to public health, requiring strategic interventions for effective control. Despite the implementation of various health programs, infectious diseases continue to exert a considerable toll on communities, reflecting the need for a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of community-based interventions in the Nigerian context. The current state of infectious disease control in Nigeria raises critical questions about the impact and sustainability of community-driven approaches, as well as the existing barriers and facilitators influencing their success. Understanding the nuanced dynamics of community-based interventions is imperative to identify gaps in implementation, ascertain factors hindering their efficacy, and formulate evidence-based strategies to enhance their effectiveness in combating infectious diseases. Oleribe, O. O., Ezieme, I. P., Oladipo, O., & Akinola, E. P. (2018).
A key aspect of the problem lies in the complex interplay of socio-economic factors, cultural practices, and healthcare infrastructure challenges that influence the success of community-based interventions. Limited access to healthcare resources, disparities in healthcare delivery, and socio-cultural beliefs and practices may hinder the adoption and effectiveness of community-led initiatives. Furthermore, issues such as community engagement, resource mobilization, and the integration of traditional healing practices within the healthcare system require careful examination. Addressing these challenges is paramount to devising targeted interventions that align with the unique socio-cultural landscape of Nigeria, ultimately fostering a more resilient and effective response to infectious diseases at the community level. Umeokonkwo, C. D., Madubueze, U. C., Ughasoro, M. D., & Onwujekwe, O. E. (2019).
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Effectiveness of Community-Based Interventions in Combating Infectious Diseases in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. Assess the impact of community-based interventions on the prevalence and incidence of specific infectious diseases in different Nigerian contexts.
- 2. Evaluate the factors influencing the success and sustainability of community-based interventions in the Nigerian context.
- Compare and contrast the effectiveness of different community-based intervention models in targeting specific infectious diseases in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- To what extent have community-based interventions, such as hygiene promotion, sanitation improvements, and vector control, reduced the prevalence and incidence of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever in rural and urban Nigerian communities?
- What are the key cultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to the success or failure of different community-based intervention approaches in addressing infectious diseases in Nigeria?
- How do integrated, multi-pronged community-based interventions compare to single-focused interventions in terms of their effectiveness in tackling complex infectious disease challenges in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between Community-Based Interventions and Combating Infectious Diseases in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Public Health sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Kano Metropolis. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
REFERENCES
Oleribe, O. O., Ezieme, I. P., Oladipo, O., & Akinola, E. P. (2018). Community and health system intervention to reduce disrespect and abuse during childbirth in Togo. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 18(1), 1-9.
Umeokonkwo, C. D., Madubueze, U. C., Ughasoro, M. D., & Onwujekwe, O. E. (2019). Community-directed interventions enhance postpartum care practices in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: a mixed-methods study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19(1), 1-11.
Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. (2017). National Health Promotion Policy (2017). Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.ng/doc/National%20Health%20Promotion%20Policy.pdf
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigeria. (2016). Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Services (CHIPS) Implementation Guidelines. Retrieved from https://nphcda.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/CHIPs-IMPLEMENTATION-GUIDELINES-2016.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Global Tuberculosis Report 2020. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports/global-tuberculosis-report-2020
