Mental health in arsenic-induced cancer: a study from middle Gangetic plain of Bihar, India

1Citations
Citations of this article
19Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The health impact of groundwater arsenic contamination shall remain partially understood while its psychological aspects are not studied. So, this correlational survey research explored mental health as a function of perceived social support in arsenic-induced cancer (AIC), which is highly prevalent in the middle Gangetic plain. Mental health inventory and multidimensional scale of perceived social support were used to assess mental health (MH) and perceived social support (PSS) respectively in 77 AIC patients. Findings show significant impact of PSS on MH in the arsenic-affected regions. PSS from significant others have strong impact on overall MH. Perception of reality was predicted by PSS from family while global PSS predicted two dimensions of MH, i.e. positive self-evaluation and environmental mastery. This baseline study suggests that global PSS and that from family and significant others is important and has a strong impact on MH of this population. These findings would help early identification and/or psychological intervention (from non-government organizations, oncology social workers/researchers, and policy makers) to promote better health and well-being in this arsenic-affected population.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Kumar, S. K., Ghosh, A., & Bharti, D. A. (2022). Mental health in arsenic-induced cancer: a study from middle Gangetic plain of Bihar, India. Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 12(10), 711–720. https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2022.077

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free