Abstract

Background: The global nutrition crisis continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations’ health in regions where artisanal mining is high. Objective: This study assessed the nutritional status of children, adolescents, and women living in the Revuè sub-basin, who are potentially exposed to heavy metal contaminants. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional design was used to combine anthropometric and sociodemographic data with laboratory analysis for the assessment of heavy metal contaminants in drinking water sources. Results: Results indicated a high prevalence of stunting among children under five (28.4% of boys and 19.9% of girls) while female adolescents were underweight (25.7%), particularly during the rainy season. In contrast, 19% of women were overweight and 3.1% were obese. A modified Poisson regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between mercury exposure (RR = 0.77, p = 0.02) and stunting in children, whereas higher educational attainment among husbands was protective for women (RR = 0.76, p = 0.03). The assessment of mercury exposure through water consumption showed statistically significant variations across regions and seasons (p < 0.001). Water analyses identified high concentrations of arsenic (0.03 mg/L, 95% CI: 0.02–0.10) and mercury (0.09 mg/L (95% CI: 0.003–0.009), exceeding safety standards. Conclusion: Overall, these findings highlight the nutritional and health risks potentially linked to artisanal mining.

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