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Examining health and well‐being outcomes associated with mining activity in rural communities of high‐income countries: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Mactaggart Fiona,
McDermott Liane,
Tynan Anna,
Gericke Christian
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12285
Subject(s) - social determinants of health , environmental health , affect (linguistics) , health equity , community health , boom , business , medicine , gerontology , public health , socioeconomics , economic growth , psychology , sociology , nursing , economics , communication , environmental engineering , engineering
Abstract Objective It is recognised internationally that rural communities often experience greater barriers to accessing services and have poorer health outcomes compared to urban communities. In some settings, health disparities may be further exacerbated by mining activity, which can affect the social, physical and economic environment in which rural communities reside. Direct environmental health impacts are often associated with mining activity and are frequently investigated. However, there is evidence of broader, indirect health and well‐being implications emerging in the literature. This systematic review examines these health and well‐being outcomes in communities living in proximity to mining in high‐income countries, and, in doing so, discusses their possible determinants. Methods Four databases were systematically searched. Articles were selected if adult residents in mining communities were studied and outcomes were related to health or individual or community‐level well‐being. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Results Sixteen publications were included. Evidence of increased prevalence of chronic diseases and poor self‐reported health status was reported in the mining communities. Relationship breakdown and poor family health, lack of social connectedness and decreased access to health services were also reported. Changes to the physical landscape; risky health behaviours; shift work of partners in the mine industry; social isolation and cyclical nature of ‘boom and bust’ activity contributed to poorer outcomes in the communities. Conclusion This review highlights the broader health and well‐being outcomes associated with mining activity that should be monitored and addressed in addition to environmental health impacts to support co‐existence of mining activities and rural communities.