Arsenical Disease Burden and Psychosocial, Behavioral & Economic Issues Associated with Chronic Arsenic Exposure: A Study in Malda District, West Bengal
Journal Title: International Journal of Research and Review - Year 2018, Vol 5, Issue 12
Abstract
Background: Arsenic pollution in groundwater had been causing great environmental health hazard in West Bengal, India. A study on disease burden, and psychosocial, behavioral and & economic issues related to chronic arsenic exposure were done in Malda, an arsenic affected district of West Bengal. Methodology: An epidemiological study was carried out in all arsenic affected blocks of Malda. Information on psychosocial, behavioral & economic issues were assessed amongst surveyed population. Results: Prevalence of arsenicosis was found to be 8.3% amongst 5355 number of people surveyed. Majority (62%) patients who were aware of their illness, felt embarrassed, many having anxiety, tension and depression. Most (93.6%) patients felt that their status had been changed within the community. Small number (3%) of patients volunteered marital problem. Not many (18.9%) patients consulted doctors for their treatment. Majority of patients had disability leading to change of occupation or loss of jobs. Small number (8.7%) participants considered arsenicosis as a communicable disease. Social exclusion was reported among small (1.4%) number of participants. Conclusion: Significant number of arsenicosis cases was detected in the district of Malda, A wide range of psycho-social, behavioral and economic consequences were observed associated with chronic arsenic toxicity in the society.
Authors and Affiliations
Kunal Kanti Majumdar
Keywords
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