ENVIRONMENTAL RAMIFICATION: THE UNTANGLE EFFECT OF MALARIA ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigates the environmental ramification: the untangle effect of malaria on socio-economic development in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The Life Cycle Theory serves as the theoretical framework for this study. Data for the research were primarily gathered through questionnaires administered to 367 respondents. Logistic regression models analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v23 were employed to test the relationship between the predictor: namely Malaria (MAL), and the dependent variables: Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and Poverty Rate (PVR). The findings revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship between Poverty (PVR), Infant Mortality (IMR) and Malaria (MAL) in Bayelsa State. This research concludes that Malaria has a profound effect on socioeconomic development in Bayelsa state. Consequently, it is recommended that public health education on the danger of malaria among the people. Moreover, Bayelsa State should prioritize sanitation improvements and access to clean environment and uses of mosquito’s net. Investments in proper sewage disposal and the provision of mosquito’s net, particularly in rural areas. These improvements will not only reduce the economic burden, infant mortality rate, poverty rate but also enhance public health and socioeconomic well-being