Socio-demographic variables and family health: A prospective study of a Katcha in north-central Nigeria.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Healthy families are vital prerequisites for a stable society and economic development of the community. The health status of families and communities is influenced by several socio-demographic variables such as educational status, marital pattern and gender relationships. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of certain socio-demographic variables on the health status of a rural community in Northern Nigeria. METHOD: A prospective survey over a six month period, which commenced in May 2005, was done in rural primary health care centre in Katcha local Government area of Niger state. All consecutive parents either male or female of children seeking care in the health center who gave consent to participate in the survey were recruited. A structured researcher administered questionnaire was used in sourcing data. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 2003. RESULTS: A total of 608 parents comprising 302 (49.67%) male and 306 (50.33%) females (M: F = 1:1.01) were surveyed. Of these 78.48% females were uneducated compared to only 41.83% males. While most males were gainfully employed, 20.86% of females were full time housewives. Polygamy was the predominant marital pattern. The findings indicate that women in the community were socially disadvantaged compared to males. CONCLUSION: There is a significant socio-economic gap which puts females at a disadvantage in the rural community surveyed. Bridging this Socio-economic gap between men and women in rural communities will help improve the health status in our rural communities.