Pregnant Women's Perception of Environmental Health Risks from Mining and Their Prevention Efforts in Aek Pining, South Tapanuli

Abstract

Maternal health is an important indicator of public health development, especially for pregnant women living in areas with high environmental risks such as mining regions. Mining activities potentially cause air, water, and soil pollution that may adversely affect the health of pregnant women and fetal development. This study aimed to describe pregnant women’s perceptions of environmental health risks related to mining activities and their preventive efforts in Aek Pining, South Tapanuli Regency. This study employed a descriptive design with a quantitative approach. The study population consisted of all pregnant women residing in Aek Pining, with a total sample of 15 respondents selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through univariate and bivariate analyses using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that most pregnant women had good perceptions of mining-related environmental health risks (40.0%) and preventive efforts (46.7%). Bivariate analysis indicated a significant relationship between pregnant women’s perceptions of environmental health risks and preventive efforts (p-value = 0.031). In conclusion, better perception of environmental health risks related to mining is associated with improved preventive efforts among pregnant women. Therefore, active involvement of healthcare workers, particularly midwives, is essential in providing continuous health education and guidance for pregnant women living in mining areas to reduce potential health risks for both mothers and fetuses.