Common Community-Based Diseases: Experience From A Rural Community In Nigeria – A Three-Year Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Community-based diseases remain major contributors to morbidity and mortality in rural Nigeria. Understanding disease patterns within communities is essential for effective healthcare planning, resource allocation, and implementation of preventive interventions. This study prospectively assessed the pattern and trends of common diseases encountered in a rural Nigerian community over a three-year period, with particular emphasis on adult and childhood disease burden.

Methods: A three-year prospective community-based epidemiological study was conducted between 2023 and 2025. Data were collected during periodic free community health medical outreaches conducted in Igbide community, Delta State, Nigeria. Information on demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and disease patterns was recorded using structured data collection forms. Diagnoses were categorized according to age groups and analysed using descriptive statistics. Trend analysis was performed to evaluate changes in disease occurrence over the study period.

Results: A total of 2,190 participants were enrolled. Adults accounted for 1,506 (68.8%) participants while children constituted 684 (31.2%). Females represented 1,642 (75.0%) participants compared with 548 (25.0%) males, giving a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. Hypertension was the most common disease among adults, accounting for 34.7% of adult diagnoses and demonstrating a progressive increase from 182 cases in 2023 to 342 cases in 2025, representing an 87.9% increase. Among children, skin diseases constituted the leading cause of morbidity, accounting for 29.8% of childhood diagnoses and increasing from 52 cases in 2023 to 92 cases in 2025, representing a 76.9% increase. Malaria remained a significant cause of morbidity across all age groups.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases in rural Nigeria. Hypertension is emerging as the dominant adult health challenge, while skin diseases are increasingly affecting children. Community-based interventions focusing on screening, health education, environmental sanitation, and strengthened primary healthcare services are required to address these challenges.