EFFECT EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS ON CHILDREN BETWEEN 6 MONTHS TO 7 YEARS OF AGE IN SOUTH-SOUTH

Abstract

Extreme weather is a risk factor for the onset or outbreak of several diseases in our environment and whenever the disease surfaces, it may affect children. Extreme weather (hot weather) affects the skin texture of children. Body rashes is a current health issue that affect children and adult mostly during dry season with high temperature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Effect of Extreme Weather on Children between 6 Months to 7 years of age in South-South. This was a cross-sectional study involving 250 children (6months to 7 years). A well-structured questionnaire was administered to the children’s mothers. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the Research Assistants. The study lasted for a period of 6 months (November, 2023 to April, 2024). Exclusion criteria were children less than 6months and greater than 7 years. Inclusion criteria are children facing extreme weather. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 26 and P value < 0.05 was considered significant. The research findings revealed that 156(62.40%) of the children were between 6months-1 year of age, 60(24.00%) 2-3 years, 20(8.00%) 4-5 years, while 14(5.60%) were between 6-7 years of age. The results also shows that 150(60.00%) were females, 100(40.00%) were males, 200(80.00%) of the informants agreed that weather was extreme, 220(88.00%) of the children have body rash, 150(60.00%) sweat profusely, 150(60.00%) was dehydrated, 150(60.00%) had running nose, 200(80.00%) have skin pigmentation, 190(76.00%) were restless and 150(60.00%) bleeding nose