Prevalence of respiratory-related ailment among residents of gas flaring states in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gas flaring, the chief source of toxic pollutants and air pollution in Nigeria, has continued to raise global public health interest. This study attempts to provide comprehensive information on the respiratory disease burden associated with gas flaring in Nigeria, which is not readily available. Studies reporting the incidence and prevalence of respiratory diseases among residents of gas flaring states in Nigeria were systematically reviewed using standardized approved guidelines. Thirteen studies were identified from the data search. The mean pooled prevalence of respiratory diseases among the residents of the gas flaring states was determined using random-effect meta-analyses. The pooled mean prevalence of respiratory disease was 43% (95% CI : 32–54%). Rivers State had the highest prevalence of 53% (95% CI : 34–71%, I 2 = 100%, P