Is quality of life influenced by age, household size, education and gender of indigenous people in oil-polluted environments?

Abstract

There is paucity of information linking demographic factors to quality of life of indigenous people in the Niger Delta. This study examined the predictive role of age, household size, education and gender on the quality of life of indigenous people in the Ilaje community in the Ondo State, a region in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The study sample comprised 453 indigenous people in selected oil-degraded locations in Ilaje, Ondo State. The selection of respondents was done by means of a convenience sampling technique. Data collection was done through a self-reported questionnaire that measured demographics and quality of life. Findings showed that there was a significant combined influence of age, household size and education when considering quality of life [R2 = .04, F (3,452) = 5.85; p < .05]. Findings also showed that indigenous women (M= 75.30; SD= 16.97) reported better quality of life than their male counterparts in the study area (M= 70.92; SD= 18.63). The findings suggest that household size, education and gender are crucial factors to consider in the assessment of quality of life among indigenous people in oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The study has implications for policy makers as they should examine the quality of life of indigenous people who are vulnerable to exposure to harmful chemical substances from pollution by oil firms in Nigeria critically.

Keywords: Quality of life, age, household size, education, oil polluted areas, indigenous people, Niger Delta