RADINKA JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCE

Urban Land Use and Environmental Health Risks: Assessing Human Exposure to Microplastic Pollution in The River Benue Watershed, Makurdi, Nigeria

Odediran Bukola Sunday — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rapid urban expansion and unregulated land use change in sub-Saharan African cities intensify the discharge of microplastic contaminants into inland freshwater bodies, leading to human health risks. The River Benue watershed in Makurdi, Nigeria is under mounting pressure from agricultural runoff, industrial effluents and inadequate solid-waste management, yet baseline data on microplastic contamination and associated health risk remain scarce. This study quantifies and characterises microplastic concentrations in surface water and sediments of the River Benue across sites stratified by dominant land use. Water and sediment samples were collected in triplicate from six sites representing urban commercial, peri-urban agricultural and residential land use zones along a 14 km transect of the river during dry and wet seasons (January–June 2024). Microplastics were isolated via density separation and vacuum filtration, characterised morphologically under stereo microscopy, and polymer-typed by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR). Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Monte Carlo simulation were applied for health risk modelling. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 120 ± 18 to 406 ± 43 particles/L in surface water and from 284 ± 31 to 1,142 ± 98 particles/kg dry weight in sediment. Fibres (54.7%) and fragments (26.3%) dominated morphologically; polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 31.2%), polypropylene (PP, 22.8%), and polyethylene (PE, 19.5%) were the most abundant polymers. Concentrations were higher at commercial sites and correlated positively with population density and distance from formal waste disposal infrastructure. The mean EDI for adults via water ingestion was 1.87 × 10⁻² mg/kg-bw/day. Monte Carlo-derived HQ values ranged from 0.83 to 2.14, indicating sub-populations near high-load sites may face non-trivial health risk. Urban land use intensity is a primary determinant of microplastic loading in the River Benue, with health risk estimates exceeding safety thresholds for vulnerable sub-populations. Targeted land use regulation, improved solid-waste infrastructure, and systematic riverine monitoring are urgently needed in Makurdi and comparable Nigerian cities

Oil Spill Exposure and Environmental Health Risks: A Guidance and Counselling Framework for Promoting Environment Sustainability in the Niger Delta

Nathan Udoinyang, Wobodo Brighten Chinweatu — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines oil spill exposure and environmental health risks in the Nigerian Niger Delta and proposes a guidance and counseling framework for promoting environmental sustainability. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews across selected states and local government areas. A total of 600 respondents, including farmers, fishermen, traders, and civil servants, participated in the study. Descriptive analysis revealed high levels of oil spill exposure and environmental health risks, alongside moderate environmental awareness. Regression analysis showed a significant positive relationship between oil spill exposure and health risks, as well as between environmental awareness and sustainable behavior. Thematic analysis further identified key issues such as health concerns, economic losses, psychological stress, low awareness, and institutional distrust. The findings highlight the multidimensional impacts of environmental degradation and the limitations of existing technical interventions. The study concludes that guidance and counseling frameworks can play a critical role in enhancing environmental awareness, promoting behavioral change, and improving community resilience. It recommends the integration of counseling programs into environmental policies, increased public education, and stronger institutional accountability to achieve sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

The Relationship Between Public Awareness and Communication, Education, and Information Regarding Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness in Padang City, Indonesia

Ade Ria Nofrianti, Noli Papertu Englardi — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Padang City is a coastal area in West Sumatra categorized as a high-risk zone for earthquakes and tsunamis. Community preparedness is deeply determined by the community's disaster awareness and the effectiveness of disaster Communication, Education, and Information (CEI). Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between public awareness and CEI with household preparedness to face earthquakes and tsunamis in Padang City. Methods: This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional approach, conducted from March to June 2025. The population comprised household heads in Padang City, with a sample size of 105 families selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected via structured interviews using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis (Chi-Square test). Results: The univariate analysis showed that 72.4% (76) of respondents were prepared, 76.2% (80) had a good level of awareness, and 66.7% (70) received good CEI. The bivariate analysis showed a highly significant relationship between CEI and household preparedness in facing earthquakes and tsunamis in Padang City (p = 0.000; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Public preparedness is significantly related to the optimization of disaster CEI. It is highly recommended that local emergency authorities actively deliver periodic simulations and structured disaster education campaigns.

AI-Enhanced Flood Prediction and Environment Health Risk Communication: A Counselling Framework for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Nathan Udoinyang, Edna Abibetu Abidde, Enebi Avworo, Osiokor Onoriode Alexander — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in flood prediction and counselling-based environmental health risk communication in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The aim is to develop a comprehensive framework that enhances disaster preparedness and supports sustainable development. A mixed-method research design was employed, involving 450 respondents selected from Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews and then analysed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal that while flood risk awareness is high among residents, awareness of AI-based prediction systems and communication effectiveness remain moderate. Thematic results indicate that mistrust in government communication and delays in information dissemination are key barriers to effective risk communication and the adoption of AI-based prediction systems among residents. Regression analysis shows that AI prediction systems (β = 0.42) and counselling communication (β = 0.37) significantly improve environmental health risk awareness, leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that integrating AI technologies with counselling frameworks enhances risk communication, promotes behavioural change, and improves disaster preparedness. It recommends increased investment in AI systems, the incorporation of counselling services in disaster management, and the development of trust-based communication strategies. This integrated approach is essential for achieving sustainable development goals in flood-prone regions.

Socio-Economic Barriers to The Adoption of Hygiene Behaviors for Stunting Prevention in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Ruth Rize Paas Megahati S , Liza Yuliana — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: This systematic review aims to identify and analyze the various socio-economic barriers that hinder the adoption of hygiene behaviors for stunting prevention. It specifically examines how economic factors, infrastructure limitations, and social norms influence the effectiveness of environmental health interventions in developing nations.

Methods: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following the PRISMA protocol. Data were sourced from three primary databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering the period from 2016 to 2024. A total of 24 research articles focusing on stunting dynamics and environmental factors in developing regions, including Indonesia, were selected for in-depth synthesis and analysis. Results: The findings reveal that systemic poverty, limited access to affordable clean water, and high operational expenses are the primary obstacles to hygiene practice. Additionally, the study identifies that maternal education level and household gender roles are significant determinants of the sustainability of these behaviors. The results underscore that hygiene education campaigns alone have a limited impact if the underlying economic and structural barriers remain unaddressed.

Conclusion: Stunting prevention requires a multi-sectoral strategy that transcends purely medical and nutritional interventions. To be effective, policies must integrate household economic empowerment with the development of inclusive sanitation infrastructure. This study provides a critical perspective for policymakers to design interventions that are sensitive to the socio-economic constraints of communities in developing nations.