Social characteristics and risk factors for diseases among internally displaced persons: A study of stefano's foundation camp in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigeria like the rest of the world is exposed to a wide range of natural and human-induced disasters such as flood, plane crash, communal clashes, and postelection violence and recently, insurgency from Boko Haram. Most of these disasters have led to population displacement and its consequences. This study assessed the social characteristics and risk factors for diseases among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Stefano's foundation camp in Jos, Nigeria. Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive in nature carried out on March 1–30, 2015. The data were collected using 312 interviewer-administered questionnaire, key informant interview, and participant's observation and analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Majority (85%) of the respondents were within the age bracket of 18–49 years, 61% of females, 39% had no formal education, 53% of farmers by profession among others, 96% and 4% of them were displaced as a result of the insurgency in Borno and Adamawa States, respectively and had stayed in the camp for 3 months (43.8%). There was report of several morbidities and one case of mortality from malaria, diarrhea, and cholera due to inadequate water supply, poor refuse, and fecal disposal and the presence of disease vectors in the camp and a case of death of a 6-year-old child from malaria. Majority (83%) of the IDPs obtained medical treatment at the ill-equipped camp clinic. Conclusion: This study showed that the IDPs were faced with so many challenges and the nongovernmental organization has been rendering assistance. There is a need for all relevant stakeholders to key in to make life meaningful to this vulnerable group.