Effect of Environmental Pollution as A Risk Factor of Cardiometabolic Disorders in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria
Essiet Akanimo G.
Gordon Anietie A.
Mkpan Smart B.
Effiong Kingsley L.
Obi-Anyaorah Chidinma R.
Kpongkong Jeremiah J.
Umoren Augustine U.
Ime Aniema-Abasi W.
Godwin Victoria O.
Abok Janet A.
Etukudo Iniobong
Abstract
Cardiometabolic disorder (CMDs) is an umbrella term that encompasses a cluster of interrelated risk factors and conditions that collectively increase an individual's susceptibility to cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and all-causemortality. The aim was to compare pollution indicators and cardiometabolic health between exposed and non-exposed communities. A community-based comparative cross-sectional design was employed, recruiting 380 adults from one hydrocarbon-polluted and one non-polluted community. Environmental monitoring assessed air (PM₂.₅, PAHs, O₃), water (Benzene, TDS), and soil (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons) quality. Clinical assessments included blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and anthropometry. Results revealed significantly degraded environments in polluted areas, with higher Air Quality Index of 145.0 vs. 47.0 for non-polluted (P= <0.001), Water Quality Index , 39.2 vs. 82.4 (P= <0.001), and soil TPH statistically significant showing worst soil parameters for Polluted areas. Health outcomes were markedly worse, with significantly higher prevalences of hypertension of 10.6% for polluted and 1.3% for non-polluted (P=<0.001), diabetes revealed 16.5% for polluted area and 7.3% for non-polluted areas (P=<0.001), coronary heart disease revealed a statistically significant prevalence of 12.4% for polluted communities and 0.6% for non-polluted communities (P=<0.001), and adverse clinical parameters (blood pressure, lipids, HbA1c). Regression analysis confirmed residence in a polluted area as an independent predictor of cardiometabolic disorders. The study concludes that hydrocarbon pollution is a potent risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases, exacerbated by socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and underscores the urgent need for strengthened environmental regulations and targeted public health interventions.
References