Impact of Gas Flares on Neonatal Weight and Health Profile in Yenagoa Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim/Objective: This study assesses the impact of gas flares on neonatal weight and health profile in Okolobiri and its environs. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study design was adopted in this research using well-structured questionnaire and digital infant scale for weight (kg) measurement of all 32 neonates. Results: Findings from this study shows a gradual increase in neonatal weight according to their maternal age from 15-19yrs (2.80kg), 20.24yrs(2.94kg),25-29yrs(2.85kg),30-34yrs(2.86kg), 35-39yrs(3.20kg) and ≥40yrs (3.50kg) respectively. More so neonatal weight whose mothers were exposed to daily inhalation of gas flares over a considerable duration of time was lower (2.69kg) compared with neonates (3.09kg) whose mothers sometimes perceive and inhaled gas flares during and after pregnancy. Furthermore 65.625% attend antenatal care regularly during pregnancy compared with 34.375% who did not among maternal considered in this study. The study also observed (28.125%), (96.875%) and (87.50%) regular maternal consumption of meat/fishes, water and vegetables/fruits planted within the gas flares environment. Neonatal feeds were mostly breast milk (62.50%) and neonates with health challenges were 28.125% compared with 71.875% that has no health issues. Conclusion: Maternal nutrition based on products harvested within the immediate gas flares environment during and after pregnancy was a detrimental effect on their respective neonates and thus contributes majorly to the disparity in weight among the neonates. Hence neonates with health challenges observed in this study were mainly due to the effect of gas flares discharged into the environment they depend upon.