A Study of the Prevalent Health Challenges in Rural Communities in Nigeria

Rural communities in Nigeria encounter serious health problems that are made worse by ongoing socio-economic and infrastructure issues. This study examines the everyday health challenges in these areas, aiming to uncover their root causes, patterns, and implications for public health policies and actions. We used a mixed-methods approach to gather data from 600 rural residents and 60 key informants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The quantitative results show high rates of malaria (86.7%), typhoid fever (65%), and waterborne diseases (60%). There is also limited access to healthcare facilities (68.3%) and a severe shortage of healthcare workers (81.7%). Qualitative interviews reveal that many people depend on traditional medicine, face poor infrastructure, and suffer from inadequate water and sanitation conditions, all of which lead to adverse health outcomes. Using the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework, the study highlights how poverty, location, education, and environmental factors contribute to health inequalities. The findings suggest that multi-sectoral efforts are necessary, including improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing the number of healthcare workers, enhancing health education, and establishing sustainable water and sanitation systems. This research adds to the understanding of rural health disparities in Nigeria. It provides evidence-based recommendations for shaping health policies and development programs aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).