Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Health
Advisor
Chinaro Kennedy
Abstract
Despite the global decline in tuberculosis (TB) cases, the prevalence of TB in rural populations in Nigeria is rising. To date, poverty and low educational levels continue to affect treatment and other prevention strategies to eradicate the disease. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between poverty, educational levels, household structure and vaccination status on TB prevalence in rural Niger Delta, Nigeria. The theoretical framework for this study was the socio-ecological model. Data were obtained from residents of rural Niger Delta in Nigeria attending a teaching hospital in southern Nigeria. The relationship between the stated demographic factors and TB prevalence was assessed with a binary logistic regression model to evaluate if any of the demographic variables could predict TB prevalence in the studied population. The study findings indicated that educational level was significantly associated with TB prevalence χ2 (2) = 7.27, (p = 0.026). In addition, respondents with a smaller household size are less likely to develop TB (OR = 0.568, 95% CI = 0.367 – 0.879, p = 0.011). These findings emphasize the need for multi- and cross-sectoral approaches to optimize TB prevention and care. The social change implications of this study include the provision of information to policymakers, local health educators, and community members about the need to modify lifestyles that makes them vulnerable to the disease, thus reducing susceptibility to and the burden of the disease.
Recommended Citation
Zarakpege, Nwinmene George, "Examination of the Association Between Poverty, Income, and Education Levels on Tuberculosis Prevalence in Nigeria: Rural Niger Delta Case Study" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14635.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14635
