THE HEALTH PROBLEMS OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE MINING – AFFECTED AREAS IN SANTA CRUZ, ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES

The study was conducted to assess the health problems of the people in the mining-affected areas of Santa Cruz, Zambales, Philippines. The study utilized descriptive method and descriptive documentary analysis. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire to 146 respondents in seven barangays affected by mining activities. Secondary data on the incidence of diseases were gathered in the Rural Health Unit of Santa Cruz, Zambales The most prevalent illnesses are acute upper respiratory infection (AURI) for the respiratory system, diarrhea for the digestive system, skin rashes for the integumentary system, hypertension for the cardiovascular system, urinary tract infection for the genito-urinary system and headache neurological system.