Seriousness of Health Concerns

Results

As depicted in Figure 2, approximately 52% of the respondents characterized the problem in their community as either somewhat serious or very serious. Nineteen percent characterized the problem in their community as not serious, and 30% of the respondents were unsure.
2002 Needs Assessment - Seriousness of Problem

Many of those who indicated that the problem in their community was not serious had bacterial contamination problems.

A number of serious health concerns, presumably related to the presence of various toxic substances were identified. The major health concerns identified by communities as likely related to water-based contamination in their community were: cancer 34%; birth defects 20%; digestive problems 24%; soar throats 17%; headaches 18%; depression/anxiety 10%; learning disabilities 16%; neurological problems 16%; frequent colds 11%; Immune system problems 23%; endocrine problems 9%; respiratory problems 24%; blood problems 10%, and urinary tract problems 23%. Eleven percent of respondents indicated some other medical problem. Figure 3 graphically displays the results for the most common health effects cited.
2002 Needs Assessment - Health Concerns

Despite identified health concerns, 65% of respondents indicated that they were unsure that the number of people experiencing health problems in their community was unusual. Sixteen percent were somewhat sure the number of illnesses was unusual, and 20% of respondents indicated they were almost certain that the number of illnesses was unusual.

Discussion

More than half of all respondents cite serious concerns about health problems in their communities. Still others are uncertain just how serious the problems are in their community. Respondents have identified a range of health problems that include a number of very serious conditions. Despite the serious nature of these concerns, the majority of respondents readily admit that they don't know if the actual incidence of health problems in their communities is unusual. This suggests that many in such communities may experience considerable anxiety, on the one hand understanding that such health problems may be caused by contamination, and on the other hand not having definitive information that would either confirm or refute these suspicions. The situation speaks to the very reason for our desire to create useful health assessment tools that will enable community members to better understand links between contamination and illness in their communities.