CROWDED CHEERS, SILENT SPREAD: INVESTIGATING COMMUNICABLE DISEASE RISKS IN FOOTBALL VIEWING CENTERS ACROSS NIGERIA

Abstract

Football viewing centers in Nigeria are popular social hubs, particularly during local and international football matches, but they also present significant public health risks. These venues are often overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and lack adequate sanitation, creating environments conducive to the transmission of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and influenza. This study investigates the communicable disease risks in football viewing centers across Nigeria, focusing on crowd dynamics, hygiene practices, and public health awareness. The research employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and environmental assessments. Findings indicate a high frequency of attendance, low compliance with preventive practices, and significant exposure to environmental risk factors. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions, including public health education, infrastructure improvements, and stronger regulatory enforcement to mitigate disease transmission risks in these informal social spaces.