Pollution's Hidden Toll: Examining the Health Effects of Environmental Pollution in Adamawa State, Nigeria

As the world faces increasing problem of environmental pollution and public health challenges, it is evident that health of individuals and associated economic prosperity are unavoidably linked to the environment. To understand this link, the study examined the effects of environmental pollution on health status in Adamawa state, Nigeria. The study was carried out in Adamawa state in three Senatorial Districts across 55 communities where 440 questionnaires were administered. Ordered Logistic Regression was used to analyzed the results. Key findings show a negative coefficient between health status and environmental pollution. By Marginal effect, a one-unit increase in environmental pollution reduces the log odds of being in a higher health status (Excellent) category by 53% (OR: 1-0.470), holding other variables constant. This means that increase in environmental pollution likely increases the probability of being in lower health status (that is, those who perceived their health as poor). This result is significant at the 1% level (p < 0.01), thus emphasizing the critical role pollution plays in suppressing poor health. The result is in line with scholarly researches in public health, which shows that pollution carries vectors of disease and other harmful agents that affect quality of health of individuals. This outcome generally demonstrates how environmental and workplace conditions interact with availability of infrastructure to influence health status. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize inclusive measures that address environmental quality in addition to improvements in health and public infrastructures. Furthermore, public health campaigns should emphasize the collective responsibility of communities in maintaining conducive environments and hygienic practices.