Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Gernan A. Gonzalez

Abstract

Due to differences in exposure to various risk factors, colorectal cancer (CRC) rates differ in regions of Nigeria. Although the people living in the Southsouth, an oil-producing region, are concerned that they are most affected, there is insufficient research to address these concerns. The purpose of this quantitative ecological study was to investigate whether living in the oil-polluted region in Nigeria is associated with an excess CRC incidence rate. The potential spatial autocorrelation of CRC incidence among the contiguous regions was also examined. The study was grounded in the ecosocial theoretical framework. Data were extracted from the Nigeria National System of Cancer Registries for 2009-2016, online real-time IQAIR data on particulate matter (PM 2.5) exposure, and the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The data set included 526 CRC cases, representing 298 (56.65%) male and 228 (43.35%) female individuals. One-way ANOVA and ANCOVA were used to assess CRC disparity and adjust for the covariate. The t-test and multiple linear regression tests investigated gender as a predictor variable in CRC disparity in this population and adjusted for the various socioeconomic covariates. The study’s main findings showed no statistically significant association between living in the oil-polluted region and the risk of excess CRC (p > 0.05). The study also showed a weak negative spatial autocorrelation that was not statistically significant (I = -0.365; p > 0.05). This study may contribute to positive social change by providing evidence-based data on the relationship between environmental exposures and the risk of chronic disease like CRC. This knowledge may inform Pareto efficiencies in public health interventions as well as educate members of the public.

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