Respiratory diseases and environmental exposure to artisanal gold mining: a comparative cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso

Abstract Objective Artisanal gold mining has rapidly expanded in Burkina Faso, but its respiratory impacts remain poorly documented. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory diseases among differently exposed populations and to identify associated factors. Methods An analytical and comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 2015 to 2020 in Séguénéga (exposed site) and Gourcy (control site). Patients aged ≥ 15 years with a documented medical diagnosis were included. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the occurrence of respiratory diseases. Results After exclusions, 1,274 records were retained (629 in Séguénéga, 645 in Gourcy). The overall prevalence of respiratory diseases was estimated at 29.4% (95% CI: 26.9–32.0), significantly higher ( p = 0.01) in Séguénéga (32.8%, 95% CI: 29.1–36.6) compared to Gourcy (26.2%, 95% CI: 22.8–29.8). The main symptoms were cough (80.2%) and dyspnea (61.4%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was more common in Séguénéga than in Gourcy (3.2% vs. 0.5%; p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, the exposed site (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.06–1.87; p = 0.018), age (aOR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01–1.02; p < 0.001), history of asthma (aOR = 9.85, 95% CI: 4.72–20.6; p < 0.001), previous tuberculosis (aOR = 28.1, 95% CI: 8.4–93.5; p < 0.001), and poor nutritional status (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.05–3.56; p = 0.035) were statistically associated with increased odds of respiratory diseases. Respiratory lethality reached 8.0% in Séguénéga compared to 1.2% in Gourcy ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Artisanal gold mining is associated with an increased incidence of respiratory diseases and higher lethality in riverside areas, calling for preventive actions.