Medical Conditions Associated with Mining and Fishing Activities in Migori County: A Comparative Study

The purpose of this research study was to do a comparative study on medical conditions that are associated with fishing and mining occupations in Migori County, Kenya. The study was shaped by three main objectives; to determine medical conditions associated with miners in Migori County, to identify medical conditions experienced by fishermen in Migori County and to establish the differences in medical conditions among miners and fishermen in Migori County. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative designs. It was carried out in the Nyatike Sub-County of Migori County. The target population of the study included miners from 25 sampled mining sites and fishermen from Mugabo BMU (Beach Management Unit) in the Nyatike sub-county. A sample of 400 participants participated in this study where Mugabo BMU was allocated 200 participants and other selected 25 mining sites allocated 8 each. The study used random sampling to generate its sample size. The data collection exercise used a visualisation semi-structured interview where a checklist was used together with probing, observation, and a questionnaire. The data was later ranked and scored through simple ranking, pairwise ranking, proportional pilling and matrix scoring. The data was presented by mapping, paragraphing and use of tables and other quantitative methods. The study established that infectious diseases are still the main cause of ill health among people practising mining and fishing occupations, besides rampant injuries. Clinical syndromes like stomach aches, coughs, and allied diseases, physical injuries were very common in the two occupations. The study, therefore, recommends the provision and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce the number of injuries as well as support various amenity services, security, and proper regulations