Management of Pregnancy in Mining Areas in Burkina Faso: Perception of Women’s Professional Risks and the Role of Communities, and Development of Prevention Strategies

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Résumé

Objective: Women of childbearing age in the mining sector in Burkina Faso
engage in various activities that expose them to professional risks affecting
their pregnancies. This study aims to analyze their perceptions of these risks
and the role of communities in managing their pregnancies. Methodology:
The research is a qualitative exploratory study, using a case-study approach
with purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews, non-partic-
ipant observations, and document review among 14 artisanal miners. The the-
matic analysis based on the Braun and Clarke approach was applied, and data
were manually analyzed. Results: Fourteen artisanal miners (ages 18 to 34;
mean age: 24.57 years with a work experience of 2 to 10 years; mean work
experience: 5.57 years) participated in the study, including 11 non-educated
women. Activities were performed using rudimentary tools in an unhealthy
and hazardous environment without protective measures. The majority
(85.71%, or 12 women) perceived some risks associated with their work, both
for themselves and their babies. As a result, they developed personal initiatives
such as reducing the pace of work and resting when tired. However, they noted
low community involvement, which had negative health and occupational
consequences. Conclusion: Sensitization interventions targeting women and communities are needed to improve pregnancy management in this hazard-
ous workplace environment.

Mots-clés

Perception of Professional Risks, Community Participation, Prevention Strategies, Pregnancy Management, Burkina Faso