Environmental risk factor identification and assessment of health outcomes on selected subjects in and around the vicinity of petrol stations in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria

In Nigeria, the number of retail petrol stations keeps increasing due to the lucrative petroleum market as a major fuel and economic capital source in the country. Therefore, assessing how the retail petrol station contributes to the health and environmental risks within the country is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigeria’s population. Retail petrol stations are a major source of employment in Nigeria. These retail petrol stations sell petroleum products to customers, such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, and cooking gas. The study aimed to assess and identify health outcomes and explore the perception and awareness of health hazards related to retail petrol stations in Ilorin, Kwara State and those employed in the sector.

A sequential explanatory strategy mixed-methods approach was adopted in conducting this study. The research was carried out in two stages, i.e., the pilot and the main study phase. A quantitative survey and checklist were used to obtain information on the characteristics of Ilorin retail petrol stations and the sociodemographic characteristics of selected subjects employed at the retail petrol stations. Thirty-six operating retail petrol station was chosen for the pilot study. The thirty-six retail petrol stations in the pilot study were also used for the main study phase. Information and sociodemographic factors and quality of life were collected from 96 retail petrol station employees and a comparison group of 200 people within a university setting as representative of the general population. Quality of life information was collected using the SF-36 questionnaire. In the qualitative stage of the main phase study, in-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted to explore the perception and awareness of health and environmental risks associated with retail petrol stations. The interview was conducted with a retail petrol station manager and a public health officer. Three focus groups were conducted among six retail petrol station owners, seven retail petrol station attendants and 20 environmental health officers.

The study results show poor occupational health and safety management practices among the selected retail petrol stations and poor awareness and knowledge of health risks related to RPS among RPS owners. Potential factors responsible for the no statistically significant difference between the retail petrol station employees and the general population’s quality of life in this study were also identified. The public and environmental health officers were aware of the health and environmental risks associated with RPSs. This study emphasises the need for policy amendment, increased awareness of environmental & health improvement, and collaborative partnership between stakeholders in tackling retail petrol stations related issues.