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Dokshina D, Roque SK, Berry S, Heard-Garris N, Malone AM, Bauer KW, Needham BL. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Emotional Reactions to the Flint Water Crisis among Michigan Women in Communities Outside of Flint. Ethn Dis 2024; 34:129-136. [PMID: 39211819 PMCID: PMC11354825 DOI: 10.18865/ethndis-2023-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine whether Black women in Michigan communities outside of Flint were more likely than women in other racial and ethnic groups to report negative emotional reactions to the Flint Water Crisis, an ongoing public health disaster that has been widely attributed to anti-Black structural racism. Methods Data were from a 2020 survey of Michigan women aged 18-45 in communities outside of Flint (N=888). We used logistic regression models to examine racial and ethnic differences in the odds of negative emotional reactions to the Flint Water Crisis. Results Compared with Black women, White women had lower odds of feeling scared (odds ratio [OR]=0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84), hopeless (OR=0.53; 95% CI, 0.38-0.74), tired (OR=0.45; 95% CI, 0.32-0.64), and numb (OR=0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.75) when thinking about the water crisis. There were no differences between Black and Hispanic women, whereas women of other races or ethnicities had lower odds than Black women of feeling numb (OR=0.32; 95% CI, 0.14-0.72). Conclusions The Flint Water Crisis was a racialized stressor, with potential implications for mental health inequities among Michigan women who were not directly affected by the crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Dokshina
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sidonie K. Roque
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sydney Berry
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Nia Heard-Garris
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outreach, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Anita M. Malone
- Division of Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Katherine W. Bauer
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Belinda L. Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
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Dannis J, Jenuwine S, Jones N, LaChance J, Hanna-Attisha M. Child Mental Health Status in Flint, Michigan: A Worsening Health Inequity, 2018-2022. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:1318-1321. [PMID: 37708425 PMCID: PMC10632840 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To determine the burden of mental health disorders among children enrolled in Michigan's Flint Registry in the context of a local public health crisis and a nationally declared pediatric mental health crisis. Methods. This survey-based study included 1203 children aged 3 to 17 years whose caregivers enrolled them in the Flint Registry between December 2018 and March 2020 and who completed a follow-up survey between October 2020 and March 2022. The baseline and follow-up surveys included caregiver reports of childhood anxiety and depression and overall mental health wellness. Results. At enrollment, Flint Registry caregivers reported significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression among their children than caregivers reported nationally (12.9% vs 9.4% and 8.2% vs 4.4%; P < .001). Flint Registry caregivers also reported declines in their children's overall mental health wellness at follow-up, t(1472) = -4.17; P < .001. Conclusions. Our findings reveal a disparate burden of pediatric mental health disorders and exemplify the health inequities vulnerable populations face. Public Health Implications. More proactive and preventive steps should be taken to lessen this burden, especially in chronically disadvantaged communities that experience public health crises. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(12):1318-1321. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307406).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Dannis
- The authors are with the Michigan State University-Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Flint
| | - Sarah Jenuwine
- The authors are with the Michigan State University-Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Flint
| | - Nicole Jones
- The authors are with the Michigan State University-Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Flint
| | - Jenny LaChance
- The authors are with the Michigan State University-Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Flint
| | - Mona Hanna-Attisha
- The authors are with the Michigan State University-Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Flint
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Glassmeyer ST, Burns EE, Focazio MJ, Furlong ET, Gribble MO, Jahne MA, Keely SP, Kennicutt AR, Kolpin DW, Medlock Kakaley EK, Pfaller SL. Water, Water Everywhere, but Every Drop Unique: Challenges in the Science to Understand the Role of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Management of Drinking Water Supplies. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000716. [PMID: 38155731 PMCID: PMC10753268 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The protection and management of water resources continues to be challenged by multiple and ongoing factors such as shifts in demographic, social, economic, and public health requirements. Physical limitations placed on access to potable supplies include natural and human-caused factors such as aquifer depletion, aging infrastructure, saltwater intrusion, floods, and drought. These factors, although varying in magnitude, spatial extent, and timing, can exacerbate the potential for contaminants of concern (CECs) to be present in sources of drinking water, infrastructure, premise plumbing and associated tap water. This monograph examines how current and emerging scientific efforts and technologies increase our understanding of the range of CECs and drinking water issues facing current and future populations. It is not intended to be read in one sitting, but is instead a starting point for scientists wanting to learn more about the issues surrounding CECs. This text discusses the topical evolution CECs over time (Section 1), improvements in measuring chemical and microbial CECs, through both analysis of concentration and toxicity (Section 2) and modeling CEC exposure and fate (Section 3), forms of treatment effective at removing chemical and microbial CECs (Section 4), and potential for human health impacts from exposure to CECs (Section 5). The paper concludes with how changes to water quantity, both scarcity and surpluses, could affect water quality (Section 6). Taken together, these sections document the past 25 years of CEC research and the regulatory response to these contaminants, the current work to identify and monitor CECs and mitigate exposure, and the challenges facing the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T. Glassmeyer
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | | | - Michael J. Focazio
- Retired, Environmental Health ProgramEcosystems Mission AreaU.S. Geological SurveyRestonVAUSA
| | - Edward T. Furlong
- Emeritus, Strategic Laboratory Sciences BranchLaboratory & Analytical Services DivisionU.S. Geological SurveyDenverCOUSA
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental HealthRollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Michael A. Jahne
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Scott P. Keely
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Alison R. Kennicutt
- Department of Civil and Mechanical EngineeringYork College of PennsylvaniaYorkPAUSA
| | - Dana W. Kolpin
- U.S. Geological SurveyCentral Midwest Water Science CenterIowa CityIAUSA
| | | | - Stacy L. Pfaller
- U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOffice of Research and DevelopmentCincinnatiOHUSA
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Onookome-Okome T, Hsu A, Kilpatrick DG, Moreland A, Reuben A. Association of Public Works Disasters with Substance Use Difficulties: Evidence from Flint, Michigan, Five Years after the Water Crisis Onset. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7090. [PMID: 38063520 PMCID: PMC10706393 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Public works environmental disasters such as the Flint water crisis typically occur in disenfranchised communities with municipal disinvestment and co-occurring risks for poor mental health (poverty, social disconnection). We evaluated the long-term interplay of the crisis and these factors with substance use difficulties five years after the crisis onset. A household probability sample of 1970 adults living in Flint during the crisis was surveyed about their crisis experiences, use of substances since the crisis, and risk/resilience factors, including prior potentially traumatic event exposure and current social support. Analyses were weighted to produce population-representative estimates. Of the survey respondents, 17.0% reported that substance use since the crisis contributed to problems with their home, work, or social lives, including 11.2% who used despite a doctor's warnings that it would harm their health, 12.3% who used while working or going to school, and 10.7% who experienced blackouts after heavy use. A total of 61.6% of respondents reported using alcohol since the crisis, 32.4% using cannabis, and 5.2% using heroin, methamphetamine, or non-prescribed prescription opioids. Respondents who believed that exposure to contaminated water harmed their physical health were more likely to use substances to the detriment of their daily lives (RR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.03-1.70), as were respondents with prior potentially traumatic exposure (RR = 2.99, 95%CI: 1.90-4.71), low social support (RR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.41-2.66), and PTSD and depression (RR's of 1.78 and 1.49, respectively, p-values < 0.01). Public works disasters occurring in disenfranchised communities may have complex, long-term associations with substance use difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuviere Onookome-Okome
- Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
- Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Angel Hsu
- Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
| | - Dean G. Kilpatrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.G.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Angela Moreland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.G.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Aaron Reuben
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.G.K.); (A.M.)
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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5
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Kilpatrick SK, Bauer KW, Heard-Garris N, Malone AM, Abdou CM, Weeks HM, Clayson M, Allgood KL, Dokshina D, Needham BL. Experiences of the Flint Water Crisis Among Reproductive-Age Michigan Women in Communities Outside of Flint: Differences by Race and Ethnicity. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:993-1005. [PMID: 35320509 PMCID: PMC8941828 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We sought to understand how women in Michigan communities outside of Flint experienced the Flint water crisis, an avoidable public health disaster widely attributed to structural racism. Using survey data from 950 Michigan women aged 18-45 from communities outside of Flint, we examined racial and ethnic differences in personal connections to Flint, perceived knowledge about the water crisis, and beliefs about the role of anti-Black racism in the water crisis factors that could contribute to poor health via increased psychological stress. We found that White (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.46) and Hispanic (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.49) women had lower odds than Black women of having family or friends who lived in Flint during the water crisis. Compared to Black women, White women were less likely to be moderately or very knowledgeable about the water crisis (OR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.80). White women (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.37), Hispanic women (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.68), and women of other races (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.54) were less likely than Black women to agree that the water crisis happened because government officials wanted to hurt Flint residents. Among those who agreed, White women (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.74) and women of other races (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.90) were less likely than Black women to agree that government officials wanted to hurt people in Flint because most residents are Black. We conclude that the Flint water crisis was a racialized stressor, with potential implications for the health of reproductive-age Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidonie K. Kilpatrick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
| | - Katherine W. Bauer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
| | - Nia Heard-Garris
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outreach, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Anita M. Malone
- Division of Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Michigan Medicine Health, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Cleopatra M. Abdou
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34th St, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Heidi M. Weeks
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
| | - Michelle Clayson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
| | - Kristi L. Allgood
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
| | - Darya Dokshina
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
| | - Belinda L. Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA
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Lazarevic N, Smurthwaite KS, Batterham PJ, Lane J, Trevenar SM, D'Este C, Clements ACA, Joshy AL, Hosking R, Gad I, Lal A, Law HD, Banwell C, Randall DA, Miller A, Housen T, Korda RJ, Kirk MD. Psychological distress in three Australian communities living with environmental per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162503. [PMID: 36863595 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental chemical contamination is a recognised risk factor for psychological distress, but has been seldom studied in the context of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. We examined psychological distress in a cross-sectional study of three Australian communities exposed to PFAS from the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam in firefighting activities, and three comparison communities without environmental contamination. METHODS Participation was voluntary following recruitment from a PFAS blood-testing program (exposed) or random selection (comparison). Participants provided blood samples and completed a survey on their exposure history, sociodemographic characteristics, and four measures of psychological distress (Kessler-6, Distress Questionnaire-5, Patient Health Questionnaire-15, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7). We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of clinically-significant psychological distress scores, and differences in mean scores: (1) between exposed and comparison communities; (2) per doubling in PFAS serum concentrations in exposed communities; (3) for factors that affect the perceived risk of living in a community exposed to PFAS; and (4) in relation to self-reported health concerns. RESULTS We recruited 881 adults in exposed communities and 801 in comparison communities. We observed higher levels of self-reported psychological distress in exposed communities than in comparison communities (e.g., Katherine compared to Alice Springs, Northern Territory: clinically-significant anxiety scores, adjusted PR = 2.82, 95 % CI 1.16-6.89). We found little evidence to suggest that psychological distress was associated with PFAS serum concentrations (e.g., Katherine, PFOS and anxiety, adjusted PR = 0.85, 95 % CI 0.65-1.10). Psychological distress was higher among exposed participants who were occupationally exposed to firefighting foam, used bore water on their properties, or were concerned about their health. CONCLUSION Psychological distress was substantially more prevalent in exposed communities than in comparison communities. Our findings suggest that the perception of risks to health, rather than PFAS exposure, contribute to psychological distress in communities with PFAS contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Lazarevic
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
| | - Kayla S Smurthwaite
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Philip J Batterham
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Jo Lane
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Susan M Trevenar
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Catherine D'Este
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Amelia L Joshy
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Rose Hosking
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Imogen Gad
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Aparna Lal
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Hsei Di Law
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Catherine Banwell
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Deborah A Randall
- The University of Sydney Northern Clinical School, Women and Babies Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian Miller
- Central Queensland University, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia
| | - Tambri Housen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Rosemary J Korda
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Martyn D Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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Kim W, Groden SR. Stress and Health Status Among Members of a Disadvantaged Community in Flint, Michigan in the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Community Health 2022; 47:894-901. [PMID: 35904712 PMCID: PMC9334972 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic creates psychological concerns and stress and its impacts are more extreme for those with health concerns residing in socially and economically disadvantaged communities, such as residents of Flint, Michigan. This study assesses the stress level among people who received community assistance in the first 3 months of COVID lockdowns. Further, it examines associations between stress and physical and mental health status. We measured perceived stress, health concerns, mental distress, and perceived physical and mental health from 106 survey respondents. Comparisons of stress levels by demographics showed that females, high school graduates, and homeowners had higher stress levels than its counterparts. Results from general linear models showed that stress was highest among those with high levels of psychological distress, perceived poor mental health, and more health concerns. The associations between poor perceived physical health and stress were marginal. Homeowners and high school diploma holders showed lower stress levels. This research suggests community health practices tailored to community characteristics and culture will have the greatest impact on stress and health problems in underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woojong Kim
- Social Work Department, University of Michigan-Flint, 303 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI, 48502, USA.
| | - Sheryl Renee Groden
- Social Work Department, University of Michigan-Flint, 303 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI, 48502, USA
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8
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Reuben A, Moreland A, Abdalla SM, Cohen GH, Friedman MJ, Galea S, Rothbaum AO, Schmidt MG, Vena JE, Kilpatrick DG. Prevalence of Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Flint, Michigan, 5 Years After the Onset of the Water Crisis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2232556. [PMID: 36125808 PMCID: PMC9490512 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.32556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Environmental disasters, such as the Flint, Michigan, water crisis, are potentially traumatic events (PTEs) that may precipitate long-term psychiatric disorders. The water crisis was associated with acute elevations in mental health problems in the Flint community, but long-term psychiatric sequelae have not yet been evaluated using standardized diagnostic measures. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with current presumptive diagnostic-level major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Flint residents 5 years after the onset of the crisis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cross-sectional study, a household probability sample of 1970 adults living in Flint, Michigan, during the crisis were surveyed about their crisis experiences, their psychological symptoms 5 years later, and their access to and use of mental health services in the intervening years. Analyses were weighted to produce population-representative estimates. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Presumptive Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) diagnostic-level past-year major depression and PTSD. RESULTS Among 1970 respondents, 1061 of 1946 reporting sex (54.5%) were women; 1043 of 1951 reporting race (53.5%) were Black or African American and 829 (42.5%) were White; and 1895 of 1946 reporting ethnicity (97.4%) were non-Hispanic. Overall, 435 (22.1%) met DSM-5 criteria for presumptive past-year depression, 480 (24.4%) for presumptive past-year PTSD, and 276 (14.0%) for both disorders. Residents who believed that their or their family's health was harmed by contaminated water (eg, risk ratio [RR] for depression: 2.23; 95% CI, 1.80-2.76), who had low confidence in public-official information (eg, RR for PTSD, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.16-1.78), who had previous exposure to PTEs (eg, RR for both disorders: 5.06; 95% CI, 2.99-8.58), or who reported low social support (eg, RR for PTSD, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.94-3.43) had significantly higher risk for depression, PTSD, and comorbidity. PTEs involving prior physical or sexual assault were especially potent risk factors (eg, both disorders: RR, 7.30; 95% CI, 4.30-12.42). Only 685 respondents (34.8%) were ever offered mental health services to assist with water-crisis-related psychiatric symptoms; most (543 [79.3%]) who were offered services utilized them. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study of psychiatric disorder in Flint, Michigan, presumptive depression and PTSD were highly prevalent 5 years after the onset of the water crisis. These findings suggest that public-works environmental disasters have large-scale, long-term psychological sequelae. The Flint community may require expanded mental health services to meet continued psychiatric need. National disaster preparedness and response programs should consider psychiatric outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Reuben
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Angela Moreland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Salma M. Abdalla
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory H. Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew J. Friedman
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- National Center for PTSD, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC
| | - Sandro Galea
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex O. Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Michael G. Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - John E. Vena
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Dean G. Kilpatrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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Parker S, Johnson-Lawrence V. Addressing Trauma-Informed Principles in Public Health through Training and Practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148437. [PMID: 35886289 PMCID: PMC9319668 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of traumatic events requires our public health workforce to be knowledgeable about ways trauma influences population and individual health. There is a gap in student training about the various ways that traumatic events affect their capacity to perform public health work and the communities they serve. While other human services disciplines explicitly use trauma-informed terminology and concepts in student training, references to trauma-informed approaches are more implicit in public health curricula. This study examined trauma-informed principles and related terminology for use in public health coursework in the context of a community-wide water contamination public health crisis in Flint, Michigan, USA. We addressed the principles of trauma-informed approaches across key competency areas common to USA public health accredited programs, including discussion to support student understanding of the principle in action. Using trauma-informed language (1) enhances our capacity to name and respond empathetically in traumatized communities, (2) provides guiding principles for less community-engaged efforts, and (3) fosters stronger relationships for more community-engaged initiatives by providing areas of accountability for unintended consequences throughout the program’s development and implementation processes. Rising public health professionals equipped with knowledge of trauma-informed approaches can more intentionally minimize unintended negative consequences of public health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Parker
- Department of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI 48502, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Brooks SK, Patel SS. Psychological Consequences of the Flint Water Crisis: A Scoping Review. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 16:1259-1269. [PMID: 33958025 PMCID: PMC8572313 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize existing literature on the mental health impact of the Flint Water Crisis. METHODS In March 2020, we searched 5 databases for literature exploring the psychological consequences of the crisis. Main findings were extracted. RESULTS 132 citations were screened and 11 included in the review. Results suggest a negative psychological effect caused by the water crisis, including anxiety and health worries, exacerbated by lowered trust in public health officials, uncertainty about the long-term impacts of the crisis, financial hardships, stigma, and difficulties seeking help. There was evidence that concerns about tap water continued even after the state of emergency was lifted. CONCLUSIONS With a possible compound effect to residents of Flint with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the results highlight the need for more resources for psychological health interventions in Flint as well as a need for local governments and health authorities to regain the trust of those affected by the Flint Water Crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonny S Patel
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Lewis FJ, Rappleyea D, Didericksen K, Sira N, Byrd J, Buton A. Bringing Inclusion Into Pediatric Primary Health Care: A Systematic Review of the Behavioral Health Treatment of Racial and Ethnic Minority Youth. J Pediatr Health Care 2021; 35:e32-e42. [PMID: 34083102 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, pediatric behavioral health care accounts for one of the fastest growing health care expenditures. Children representing racial and ethnic minority groups are still found to experience significant behavioral health needs. Primary health care represents the first level of contact with the health care system. METHOD The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize articles discussing the behavioral health needs and treatment of racial and ethnic minority in primary care settings. RESULTS Results yielded 40 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Themes included: provider screening, provider selected treatments, prevalence and need, and stigma and patient-provider communication. CONCLUSIONS Themes were discussed through the Ecological Systems Theory lens. Study limitations included its exclusion of intellectual disabilities like Autism Spectrum Disorder, lack of literature utilizing large minority samples, and lack of attention to the intersection between race and/or ethnicity alongside other demographics of concern like gender, age, social class, and geographical location.
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12
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A Population-Based Assessment of Physical Symptoms and Mental Health Outcomes Among Adults Following the Flint Water Crisis. J Urban Health 2021; 98:642-653. [PMID: 33788147 PMCID: PMC8566686 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-021-00525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the physical and mental health outcomes of adults in the low-income, predominantly Black city of Flint, Michigan, following the city's water crisis which began in April 2014 after austerity policies led to the city switching its water source. We investigate these dynamics using data from a longitudinal community-based cohort in Flint. Between June and November 2019, surveys were administered at nine public sites across Flint. Nested models were employed to assess relationships between respondent demographics, including race/ethnicity, and self-report of clinician-diagnosed blood lead levels (BLLs) and various physical symptoms and mental health outcomes, including depression/anxiety (PHQ-4) and psychological trauma (PC-PTSD-5). Of the 331 respondents (mean age: 47.9 + 16.5), most were women (58.6%) and Black (57.7%). In total, 10.0% self-reported elevated BLLs, with borderline significantly higher reports among Blacks (p = 0.07). Skin rashes (58.1% vs. 33.9%, p < 0.01), hair loss (45.5% vs. 30.3%, p = 0.01), and nausea (35.6% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.1) were significantly higher among Blacks versus Whites. Additionally, 29.0% and 26.3% of respondents met trauma and depression/anxiety criteria, respectively. Increasing physical symptoms was associated with psychological trauma (OR 2.1, p < 0.01) and depression/anxiety (OR 1.9, p < 0.01). In closing, Flint adults, particularly Blacks, experienced deleterious physical and mental health outcomes following the city's water crisis that appear to represent a substantial burden of excess cases. Further research is needed on how austerity impacts community health in economically distressed urban cities and ways to generate capacity to identify and curb adverse consequences.
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Schmitt HJ, Calloway EE, Sullivan D, Clausen W, Tucker PG, Rayman J, Gerhardstein B. Chronic environmental contamination: A systematic review of psychological health consequences. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 772:145025. [PMID: 33770891 PMCID: PMC8091498 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We sought to undertake a systematic review to assess the current research and to provide a platform for future research on the psychological health impact of chronic environmental contamination (CEC). CEC is the experience of living in an area where hazardous substances are known or perceived to be present in air, water, or soil at elevated levels for a prolonged and unknown period of time. We employed a systematic review approach to assess the psychological health impact of CEC in literature from 1995 to 2019, and conducted a meta-analysis of available findings (k = 60, N = 25,858) on the impact of CEC on anxiety, general stress, depression, and PTSD. We also present a narrative synthesis of findings that suggest risk factors for the experience of psychological health impacts in the wake of CEC. Likely factors increasing risk for elevated psychological health impact from CEC experience are institutional delegitimization of community concerns and the real or perceived presence of health effects from CEC. The meta-analyses observed small-to-medium effects of experiencing CEC on anxiety, general stress, depression, and PTSD. However, there was also evident risk of bias in the data. Our review suggests that psychological health in the context of CEC is an important potential public health burden and a key area for future improved research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison J Schmitt
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd. Building 68, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Eric E Calloway
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, 8401 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68114, USA.
| | - Daniel Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd. Building 68, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Whitney Clausen
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, 8401 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68114, USA.
| | - Pamela G Tucker
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Jamie Rayman
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Ben Gerhardstein
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
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Flint Kids Cook: positive influence of a farmers' market cooking and nutrition programme on health-related quality of life of US children in a low-income, urban community. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:1492-1500. [PMID: 33028450 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002000395x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among youth who participated in Flint Kids Cook, a 6-week healthy cooking programme for children, and assess whether changes in HRQoL were associated with changes in cooking self-efficacy, attitude towards cooking (ATC) and diet. DESIGN Pre-post survey (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Block Kids Food Screener, 8-item cooking self-efficacy, 6-item ATC) using child self-report at baseline and programme exit. Analysis involved paired sample t-tests and Pearson's correlations. SETTING Farmers' market in Flint, Michigan, USA. PARTICIPANTS Children (n 186; 55·9 % female, 72·6 % African American) participated in Flint Kids Cook from October 2017 to February 2020 (mean age 10·55 ± 1·83 years; range 8-15). RESULTS Mean HRQoL summary score improved (P < 0·001) from baseline (77·22 ± 14·27) to programme exit (81·62 ± 14·43), as did mean psychosocial health summary score (74·68 ± 15·68 v. 79·04 ± 16·46, P = 0·001). Similarly, physical (P = 0·016), emotional (P = 0·002), social (P = 0·037), and school functioning (P = 0·002) improved. There was a correlation between change in HRQoL summary score and change in ATC (r = -0·194, P = 0·025) as well as change in cooking self-efficacy (r = -0·234, P = 0·008). Changes in HRQoL and psychosocial health summary scores were not correlated with dietary changes, which included decreased added sugar (P = 0·019) and fruit juice (P = 0·004) intake. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to report modest yet significant improvements in HRQoL among children and adolescents who participated in a healthy cooking programme. Results suggest that cooking programmes for youth may provide important psychosocial health benefits that are unrelated to dietary changes.
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15
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Wutich A, Brewis A, Tsai A. Water and mental health. WIRES WATER 2020; 7. [DOI: 10.1002/wat2.1461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThere is a well‐established connection among water quality, sanitation, and physical health. The potentially important relationship between water and mental health is considerably less studied. Reviewing evidence from ethnography, geography, folklore, indigenous studies, rural medicine, drought research, and large‐n statistical studies, we argue there is now good theoretical rationale and growing evidence of water insecurity as a possible driver of mental ill‐health. Furthermore, some nascent evidence suggests that emotionally meaningful interactions with water might improve mental health outcomes. Leveraging these literatures, we address the many ways in which mental health outcomes are conceptualized and operationalized in water research, including as emotional distress, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, somatic symptoms, and quality of life. We outline arguments supporting seven possible (and likely interlocking) mechanisms that could explain such a relationship: (a) material deprivation and related uncertainty, (b) shame of social failure, (c) worry about health threats, (d) loss of connections to people and places, (e) frustration around opportunity losses and restricted autonomy, (f) interpersonal conflict and intimate partner violence, and (g) institutional injustice or unfairness. However, we explain that as most existing studies are ethnographic, qualitative, or cross‐sectional, a causal relationship between water and mental ill‐health is yet to be confirmed empirically. More research on this topic is needed, particularly given that poorly understood connections may create barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 (health) and 6 (water). We further suggest that tracking mental health indicators may provide unique and as‐yet underappreciated insights into the efficacy of water projects and other development interventions.This article is categorized under:
Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation
Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Wutich
- School of Human Evolution & Social Change Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Alexandra Brewis
- School of Human Evolution & Social Change Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Alexander Tsai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
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Sneed RS, Dotson K, Brewer A, Pugh P, Johnson-Lawrence V. Behavioral Health Concerns During the Flint Water Crisis, 2016-2018. Community Ment Health J 2020; 56:793-803. [PMID: 31938924 PMCID: PMC8557358 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-019-00520-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In April 2014, a switch in the municipal water source for Flint, Michigan resulted in contamination of the water supply with lead, a toxic health hazard. Since the onset of this Flint Water Crisis, there has been considerable interest in behavioral health outcomes for Flint residents. In 2016, local, state, and federal partners began to collect household-level, emergency-related behavioral and physical health information in Flint. Follow-up data were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate changes in behavioral health outcomes and the effectiveness of behavioral health programming. From 2016 to 2018, Flint residents demonstrated improvements across several behavioral health outcomes; however, residents continued to experience crisis-related stress, including fear that the crisis would never be fixed. Future behavioral health efforts in the city should focus on continuing to provide behavioral health services to residents and restoring trust within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodlescia S Sneed
- Division of Public Health, College of Human Medicine-Flint, Michigan State University, 200 East 1st Street, Flint, MI, 48502, USA.
| | | | - Allysoon Brewer
- Division of Public Health, College of Human Medicine-Flint, Michigan State University, 200 East 1st Street, Flint, MI, 48502, USA
| | | | - Vicki Johnson-Lawrence
- Division of Public Health, College of Human Medicine-Flint, Michigan State University, 200 East 1st Street, Flint, MI, 48502, USA
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Chaudhary BP, Dahal SR, Sayania B, Kumar A, Mohanty S. Effect of Toxic Metal Binding on Tax-Interacting Protein1 (TIP1): A Protein Related to Brain Diseases. Nat Prod Commun 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x19849161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human tax-interacting protein1 (TIP1), also known as glutaminase-interacting protein (GIP), is a small globular protein containing a PDZ domain. PDZ domains are the most common protein-protein interaction modules present in eukaryotes. In humans, TIP1 plays a very important role in many cellular pathways including β-catenin-mediated Wnt signaling, Rho-activator rhotekin-mediated Rho signaling pathway, and glutamate signaling pathway for the normal activity of the central nervous system. TIP1 also regulates potassium channel expression in the plasma membrane and is a binding partner to many proteins including viral oncoproteins, HTLV-1 Tax and HPV16 E6. Since TIP1 is at a pivotal point in many cellular processes through its interaction with a growing list of partner proteins, any impact on the proper functioning of this protein can have severe consequences on the well-being of a living system. Although metals are essential for plants and animals in trace amounts, elevated levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and lead are toxic causing various health problems including cardiovascular disorders, neuronal damage, renal injuries, and cancer. Here, we report the effect of heavy metals, arsenic and cadmium, on TIP1 conformation using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. Our study revealed these metals have a significant impact on the structure of TIP1 even at very low levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salik R. Dahal
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | | | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Smita Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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Assessment of Behavioral Health Concerns in the Community Affected by the Flint Water Crisis — Michigan (USA) 2016. Prehosp Disaster Med 2018; 33:256-265. [DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x18000250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesThe Flint Community Resilience Group (Flint, Michigan USA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, Georgia USA) assessed behavioral health concerns among community members to determine the impact of lead contamination of the Flint, Michigan water supply.MethodsA Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) was conducted from May 17 through May 19, 2016 using a multi-stage cluster sampling design to select households and individuals to interview.ResultsOne-half of households felt overlooked by decision makers. The majority of households self-reported that at least one member experienced more behavioral health concerns than usual. The prevalence of negative quality of life indicators and financial concerns in Flint was higher than previously reported in the Michigan 2012 and 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey.ConclusionsThe following can be considered to guide recovery efforts in Flint: identifying additional resources for behavioral health interventions and conducting follow-up behavioral health assessments to evaluate changes in behavioral health concerns over time; considering the impact of household economic factors when implementing behavioral health interventions; and ensuring community involvement and engagement in recovery efforts to ease community stress and anxiety.FortenberryGZ, ReynoldsP, BurrerSL, Johnson-LawrenceV, WangA, SchnallA, PullinsP, KieszakS, BayleyegnT, WolkinA. Assessment of behavioral health concerns in the community affected by the Flint water crisis — Michigan (USA) 2016. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(3):256–265.
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