A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study on the Association Between Environmental Hydrocarbon Exposure and Stroke Incidence in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Essiet Akanimo G.
Gordon Anietie A.
Elgado Hajara
Ime Aniema-Abasi W.
Chieke Okechukwu F.
Essien Atim S.
Inyang Blessing I.
Udim Nkereuwem A.
Umoren Augustine U.
Abstract
Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta has experienced hydrocarbon pollution for over sixty years due to gas flaring, oil spills, and pipeline vandalism. This retrospective study analyzed 1,000 adults with CT or MRI-confirmed strokes from polluted and non-polluted communities. Stroke prevalence was higher in polluted areas (21.9% vs. 18.0%), with residents showing increased cardiometabolic risk factors, including higher blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, and cardiac biomarkers, despite lower LDL cholesterol and BMI. Polluted area residents were generally older, less educated, and more likely to be widowed. Ischemic strokes were more common and functional outcomes were poorer in polluted communities, linking hydrocarbon exposure to elevated stroke incidence and worse health profiles. These results underscore the need for strengthened public health measures and improved environmental regulations.
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