Abstract Background: Rural and peri-urban populations in low and middle income countries experience overlapping socioeconomic deprivation, occupational hazards, and environmental exposures that may exacerbate disease burden. In Nigeria, subsistence farming, widespread pesticide use, unsafe water sources, and emerging informal industrial activities create complex exposure pathways, yet community level evidence remains limited. Objective: This study investigated socioeconomic and occupational characteristics, environmental exposures, dietary patterns, lifestyle behaviors, and health outcomes across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) covering the three geo-political zones of Taraba State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted across the three geopolitical zones of Taraba State using a structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed to characterize demographic distributions, exposure profiles, symptom prevalence, and self-reported or clinically diagnosed health conditions. Results: The population was predominantly of low educational attainment with only 8 to 10% having attained tertiary education level and engaged mainly in subsistence farming with about 80 to 90% of the respondents from the surveyed areas. Pesticide exposure, reliance on borehole and well water, and proximity to small scale industrial activities were common. Diets were dominated by locally produced tubers (cassava, yam, and sweet potato), with widespread use of herbal and traditional remedies. Symptom prevalence was high, particularly fatigue, headache, skin diseases, abdominal pain, joint pain, and mood changes. Diagnosed conditions included Heavy metal exposure, kidney and liver disorders, and cancers. Most affected individuals were not receiving regular medical treatment due to poverty, illiteracy, and limited healthcare access. Conclusion: The convergence of socioeconomic disadvantage, occupational and environmental exposures, and unmet healthcare needs represents a significant public health challenge in Taraba State. Integrated environmental, agricultural, and health-system interventions are urgently required.
Bilyaminu, Habibu1* , Ezeonu, Chukwuma Stephen2 (Sun,) studied this question.