Questionnaire survey of exposure to lead in the domestic environment in Nigeria

Environmental exposure to lead is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries, particularly in children, but remains understudied in developing countries. While prevention is acknowledged as the best public health option, the level of knowledge about lead exposure in many developing countries is not known. We conducted a survey to evaluate the knowledge about lead exposure in Nigeria. Survey questionnaires were developed from the results of focus group discussions and published literature. 600 questionnaires were randomly distributed to adults living in Ibadan, South Western Nigeria in 2004. In addition, the knowledge of lead exposure was measured using a modified version of the Chicago Lead Knowledge Test (CLKT). Information on lead abatement and sources of household lead exposure were also obtained. Most respondents did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about lead exposure in the domestic environment, how to prevent it and the role of nutrition in diminishing the impact of exposure. Younger people, female and increased years of schooling predict higher scores in the CLKT. Most respondents lived in rented homes; the majority of which were either built or last refurbished in the 1990s. Home owners and people living in homes built or last refurbished within 4 years of the study had higher mean CLKT scores. Our study showed that our respondents had very low levels of knowledge about the risk of domestic exposure to lead, particularly to children. We recommend that efforts should be made to increase awareness of this condition and that in Nigeria as in most development countries; this should be done through the maternal and child health care programs. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.