Effects of Environmental Pollution from Illegal Mining Activities on Community Health: A community-based study in Kenyasi, Ahafo Region

Abstract

Background and Aim Mining is the backbone of many economies in developing countries, however, its activities, no matter the scale, are disruptive to community health as a result of environmental pollution. The extent of environment pollution caused by mining activities is mainly due to illegal mining practices. The study aimed to determine perceived effects of environmental pollution from illegal mining activities on community health in Kenyasi, Ahafo Region. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September to November, 2021. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 410 community member resident in Kenyasi and data collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequencies, percentages, correlation and multiple linear regression tools were utilized at 0.05 confidence level. Results Out of the 410 participants recruited for the study, 62.7% were males and a mean age of 34 years. Results from the study indicated that most of the participants (81.7%) think illegal mining causes environment pollution which has bad effect on community health. Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between environmental pollution from illegal mining and community health. Consequently, land pollution from illegal mining contributed the highest with coefficient of determination R2 = 0.35. The linear regression analysis showed that illegal mining activities were good predictors of the environmental conditions [F (3, 117) = 12.390 and p = 0.000], with surface mining being the best predictor. About 53.9% of the residents in the Kenyasi recommended building health facility was the best way of improving community health conditions in Kenyasi. Conclusion Illegal mining is a resource to every community; however, its activities are conducted with total disregard to community health. Therefore, government should strengthen the enforcement of environmental and safety laws to mitigate against harmful effect of environmental pollution. Keywords: Illegal mining, environmental pollution, community health, Kenyasi