Energy Poverty, Burns and Health Risks in the Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

In the study, we examined the link between energy poverty and burns incidents among low-income suburban residents in the Port Harcourt Metropolis in Nigeria. Energy poverty manifests in many ways in low-income suburban areas. This includes frequent power outages, scarcity, the high cost of petroleum products and electricity, and the use of cooking systems devoid of energy efficiency. The residents respond to these challenges in ways that compromise their health and safety, resulting in preventable morbidity and mortality. In the study, we undertook a retrospective review of patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Burns Centre. Burns incidents and fatalities from 2015 to 2021 were analysed with a focus on age, mortality, gender, causes of the injury and areas of residence. The results revealed that about 177 cases (48%) were caused by kerosene explosion. Flames from the ignition of fuel stored at home for power generating sets and from artisanal oil refining sites accounted for 113 cases (17%). Flames from candles for lighting during periods of power outages comprised 24 cases (4%). Fire caused by electricity constituted 28 cases (4%). Gas explosions caused by ignorance and poor housing conditions accounted for 177 cases (27%). The mortality coefficient of burns of 0.5 implies that at least five deaths resulted from every 10 cases of burns recorded in the hospital. In the study, we recommend that government implement policy on energy access and equitable distribution more vigorously to enable poor households to meet their energy needs in relatively safe and less risky ways.