Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of gas flare and air pollution on body mass index, blood pressure and blood sugar measures in individuals living in Niger Delta states of Nigeria. Methodology: Two communities (a test and a control) were used for the study in Niger Delta communities in Imo State. The study was carried out among randomly selected chronically exposed and non-exposed residents. People of different occupations and sex were used for the study. Blood pressure was measured using manual mercurial sphygmomanometer in sitting position after about 10 minutes rest while random blood sugar was measured using Accu-CHEK glucometer. Body mass index(BMI) was calculated in kg/m2 as a ratio of body weight and height squared. Results: Results showed that the mean BMI of the test group (27.88 ± 0.23) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the control (23.16 ± 0.18). Also, generally, the mean blood pressure measurements (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure) and blood sugar of both males and the females were significantly higher (P<0.05) when compared with the control. Blood pressure measures were higher in males while blood sugar was higher in females. Irrespective of occupation, blood pressure and blood sugar measurements showed a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in the test group when compared with the control. Conclusion: In conclusion, long-term exposure to oil/gas flares increased blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Keywords : Gas flaring, Blood pressure, Diabetes mellitus, Body mass index
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