Abstract:

Oil production and exploration is highly lucrative, and a significant source of revenue in Nigeria. There is a mixture of evidence on the impact of oil spill contaminants on reproductive failure, such as infertility and human miscarriage, with occasional research indicating significantly increased risk. This study determined and compared the prevalence of miscarriage and infertility among women of childbearing age in a community (Ekerekana) that has recently been exposed and another community (Ozuboko) not exposed to oil spills in Rivers State. Cross- comparative sectional study design was adopted that employed a convenient sampling technique. From each community, a sample of 187 women in their childbearing age (18-45years) was drawn. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Ethics committee of the University of Port Harcourt gave ethical clearance for the study. Findings revealed that prevalence of miscarriage and infertility in Ekerekana community is 22.2% and 6.1% respectively; while in Ozuboko community it is 14.4% and 5.0% respectively. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of miscarriage and infertility in Ekerekana community and Ozuboko community. Alcohol intake and age are not associated factors of miscarriage and infertility experienced by women in both communities. Based on the findings, it was concluded that oil spills may not have long-term effects on maternal experience of miscarriage and infertility. It was recommended that economic and environmental impact assessments, irrespective of the source of the spill, should be conducted to ensure that the potential health effects of spills are properly addressed.