An assessment of health consequences of Fossil Fuel energy use in Osun State, Nigeria: Burden and Implications

Abstract Background The use of fossil fuel energy still persists in all continents of the world especially in Africa. This study was aimed to examine fossil fuel energy usage and its health implication on residents of Osun State, Nigeria. Methods This was a cross sectional study done across Osun State Nigeria. The study took place between January to June 2020. 1044 participants were recruited by multi stage random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain necessary information from the study participants. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 24.0. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results There were 534 females (51.1%). Fossil fuel energy was common among study participants as 601(57.6%) relied solely on fossil fuel energy compared to 443(42.4%) who uses non-traditional energy sources. There were 534 females (51.1%). Fossil fuel energy was common among study participants as 601(57.6%) relied solely on fossil fuel energy compared to 443(42.4%) who uses modern energy sources. The proportion of people whose annual monthly income is less than one hundred and twenty US Dollars (fifty thousand Naira) is far higher among those who used fossil fuel energy (88.0%) compared to those who used modern energy (59.1%). Electricity consumption accessibility was also more likely among those who used modern energy (91.9%) compared to 52.4% of those that uses fossil fuel energy for daily energy needs. Conclusion This study showed that fossil fuel energy use is very prevalent among residents of Osun State, Nigeria. and is linked with many indices of poverty. It is associated with significant health impact including respiratory diseases and poor quality of life. There is need to encourage and implement policies towards effective and efficient energy use among residents in Osun State to reduce the associated long term health impact.