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Exploring Community Psychosocial Stress Related to Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination: Lessons Learned from a Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Eric E. Calloway

    (Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE 68114, USA)

  • Alethea L. Chiappone

    (Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE 68114, USA
    College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA)

  • Harrison J. Schmitt

    (Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Daniel Sullivan

    (Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Ben Gerhardstein

    (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA)

  • Pamela G. Tucker

    (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA)

  • Jamie Rayman

    (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA)

  • Amy L. Yaroch

    (Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE 68114, USA
    College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure experience and associated stressors, to inform public health efforts to support psychosocial health and resilience in affected communities. Semi-structured interviews ( n = 9) were conducted from July–September 2019 with community members and state public health department representatives from areas with PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Thematic analysis was completed and themes were described and summarized. Reported stressors included health concerns and uncertainty, institutional delegitimization and associated distrust, and financial burdens. Interviewees provided several strategies to reduce stress and promote stress coping capacity and resilience, including showing empathy and validating the normalcy of experiencing stress; building trust through visible action and sustained community engagement; providing information and actionable guidance; discussing stress carefully; fostering stress coping capacity and resilience with opportunities to build social capital and restore agency; and building capacity among government agencies and health care providers to address psychosocial stress. While communities affected by PFAS contamination will face unavoidable stressors, positive interactions with government responders and health care providers may help reduce negative stress. More research on how best to integrate community psychosocial health and stress coping and resilience concepts into the public health response to environmental contamination could be helpful in addressing these stressors.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric E. Calloway & Alethea L. Chiappone & Harrison J. Schmitt & Daniel Sullivan & Ben Gerhardstein & Pamela G. Tucker & Jamie Rayman & Amy L. Yaroch, 2020. "Exploring Community Psychosocial Stress Related to Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination: Lessons Learned from a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:8706-:d:449910
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marialuisa Menegatto & Adriano Zamperini, 2023. "Health and Psychological Concerns of Communities Affected by Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances: The Case of Residents Living in the Orange Area of the Veneto Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-20, November.
    2. Marialuisa Menegatto & Sara Lezzi & Michele Musolino & Adriano Zamperini, 2022. "The Psychological Impact of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Pollution in the Veneto Region, Italy: A Qualitative Study with Parents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-22, November.

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