Investigating the Influence of Quarry Mining Activities on Malaria Prevalence: A Community Based Survey in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of quarry mining activities on malaria prevalence in rural communities of Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Study Design: A comparative cross sectional study design.

Place and Duration of Study: Rural communities of Ebonyi State southeast Nigeria between November 2011 and February 2012.

Methodology: Two rural communities in Ebonyi state, Nigeria were purposively selected for the study. One was renowned for its numerous quarry mining industries while the control group was a farming community. Total population study of the two communities were done. Data collection involved a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire and blood film examination for malaria parasites. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science statistical software version 20. Chi square statistical test of significance was used in the analysis and level of significance was determined by a p value of < 0.05.

Results: A total of 342 respondents participated in the study, (206 in study group and 136 in control). A significantly higher proportion of respondents in the study group were aware of quarry mining activity in their community and the presence of abandoned quarry pits, (p<0.001). Also, a higher proportion of children under 5 years and pregnant women in the study group experienced malaria in the past two weeks when compared with those in the control group, (p<0.001) and a significantly higher proportion of respondents in study group were positive for malaria parasites when compared with the control group, (p<0.001).

Conclusion: When compared to non-mining community, quarry mining significantly increased the prevalence of malaria. Also, pregnant women and children under the age of five years were the most affected groups in such areas. Bearing in mind that these mining activities are not regulated, there is need for adequate supervision and monitoring of all mining activities by responsible agents of government. There should also be intensification of malaria control efforts in such communities.