Socioeconomic Determinants of Diabetes-Related Infectious Morbidity in Nigeria: Urbanization, Poverty, and Healthcare Access

Mugisha Emmanuel K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetes-related infectious morbidity in Nigeria is a significant public health concern influenced by several socioeconomic factors, including urbanization, poverty, inadequate healthcare access, poor sanitation, and dietary transitions. This review explores the impact of these determinants on the vulnerability of diabetic individuals to infections, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria. Urbanization, while associated with improved healthcare facilities in some areas, also brings challenges such as overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and unhealthy dietary changes, which exacerbate infection risks for diabetics. Poverty further compounds these issues by limiting access to essential diabetes management resources, while poor sanitation contributes to the spread of infectious diseases that disproportionately affect diabetic individuals. Rural areas face even more severe disparities in healthcare access and sanitation, leading to higher rates of infection and worse outcomes. The review calls for comprehensive public health strategies, including improved healthcare infrastructure, public education on diabetes management and infection prevention, and targeted interventions to address the socioeconomic challenges faced by diabetic individuals in Nigeria.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, infectious morbidity, Nigeria, urbanization, poverty, healthcare access.

CITE AS: Mugisha Emmanuel K. (2026). Socioeconomic Determinants of Diabetes-Related Infectious Morbidity in Nigeria: Urbanization, Poverty, and Healthcare Access. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 6(1):1-5. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2026/6115000