Distribution of domestic rat infestation in homes of selected local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria and its public health implications: A respondent-based approach

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the distribution of domestic rat (black and brown rat) infestation in selected local government areas (Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North and Odeda LGAs) in Ogun State, Nigeria based on respondent’s information. One hundred and eighty (180) well-structured questionnaires were strategically administered to one hundred and eighty homes (odd number) which were represented by a respondent. The survey revealed that a large percentage of the respondents fall under the middle class (65.0%) and upper class (29.4%) socio-economic status while the majority of the respondents live in a bungalow (58.9%). Generally, 74% of the respondents have domestic rats in their homes, while based on the LGAs, Abeokuta North (77%) has the highest form of rat infestation seconded by Odeda (75%) while the lowest was recorded in Abeokuta South (73%), three time higher than the CDC baseline. The control measures for rat elimination appear in the order of poison only (36%) > poison and trap (33%) > trap only (23%). Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between demographics, home hygiene practices with the rat infestation (P<0.05), while Pearson correlation revealed a moderate relationship between control measures and rat infestation (r=0.55; p<0.01). Conclusively, our investigation has revealed a high level of rat infestation across the study areas with Abeokuta North as a hotspot, significantly correlated with the studied parameters. Therefore, a combinatory use of control measures, control of population density and proper home hygiene practices need to be implemented to avoid potential economic loss and disease outbreaks.