Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar: The Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life of its Diseased Inhabitants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55863/ijees.2024.0293Keywords:
Psychological well-being, Quality of life, Groundwater Arsenic contamination, Indo-Gangetic plain, health impactAbstract
The health impacts of groundwater arsenic contamination are only partially known until the arsenic menace is deciphered from a psychological standpoint. Arsenic toxicity’s psychological health and well-being perspective is warranted to attain sustainable development goal 3 of the United Nations towards good health and well-being for all. This study assesses psychological well-being and its substantial effect on the quality of life of the arsenic-affected diseased inhabitants of Bihar who reside in the middle Indo-Gangetic plain. Cross-sectional correlational survey research was done on a sample of 382 inhabitants drawn through purposive sampling. T-test, correlation, and regression analysis were employed for the purpose. The psychological well-being of the arsenic-affected diseased inhabitants was poor compared to that of their healthy counterparts. Further, the quality of life of this population is strongly associated with and affected by their psychological well-being. Findings call for immediate attention and intervention from mental health professionals and policymakers. Knowledge generation about the psychological health impacts of groundwater arsenic contamination paves a path to improved human resources and well-being for sustainable development.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Ambika Bharti Das, Anjana, K.S., Shishu Kesh Kumar
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