Nutritional Profile of Children, Adolescents, and Women Living in Areas Potentially Affected by Heavy Metal Pollutants from the Revuè River in the Manica Province, Mozambique.

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.