Link between Oil Pollution and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Oil exploration in the Niger Delta has led to severe environmental pollution. This study investigates the association between exposure to crude oil and adverse pregnancy outcomes.  Study Design:  This was a comparative cross-sectional study of the differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes of people living in heavily oil polluted and non-polluted communities Place and Duration of Study: Kegbara Dere (K-Dere), a rural Community in Ogoniland, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State and Obohia community in Ndoki kingdom, Ukwa East LGA of Abia state between June 2022 and Jan 2023. Methodology: We recruited 900 study participants (450 each from the crude oil impacted and the non-oil polluted communities) using multi-stage random sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographics and adverse pregnancy history by case definitions using the adapted WHO indirect sisterhood method of maternal mortality estimate. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Differences in proportions were compared using Chi Square test. The association between living in an oil polluted community or exposure to crude oil pollutants and adverse pregnancy outcomes was determined using crude odds ratio. Confidence intervals were determined at 95% level and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Pregnant women in the polluted community experienced a significantly higher prevalence of adverse outcomes, including stillbirth, abortion, and birth defects. The risk of experiencing an adverse pregnancy outcome was 30 times higher in the polluted area. Conclusion: This study suggests a strong link between oil pollution and pregnancy complications. Further research with robust designs is needed to confirm causality. Environmental cleanup and protective measures for pregnant women are crucial in these areas.