%0 Journal Article
%T Alternate electrification and non-potable water: A health concern for Jamaicans
%A Tazhmoye V. Crawford
%J North American Journal of Medical Sciences
%D 2009
%I North American Journal of Medical Sciences
%X Background: Research has shown that the absence of electricity and potable water usually result in negative effects on one¡¯s health and is more likely to affect women than men. Aim: To determine the extent to which alternate electrification and limited potable water, impacts on health. Materials and Method: This study is informed by primary and secondary data, representing a sample size of 150 respondents (75 male and 75 female), who were interviewed via a 24-item structured interview schedule during the period 2006-2007, throughout the 14 parishes of Jamaica. In an effort to determine the number of persons to be interviewed, each parish population was divided by the island¡¯s population (2,599,334) and then multiplied by 150. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social scientists 15. Results: The respondents of this study who use kerosene lamp as an alternate means to electricity use firewood for cooking (12% male and 15% female). This sometimes result in obstructive pulmonary disease (female 43%; male 21%). The absence of electricity also results in the consumption of improperly stored meat, thus medical implications: paroxysmal abdominal pain (colic), and diarrhea (male 91%; female, 95%). The transporting of firewood, pans of water and laundry via head-loading, sometimes result in back/spinal injury (male, 75%; female, 48%). Conclusion: Alternate access to electricity and potable water result in the use of kerosene lamp, firewood and the consumption of non-potable water (often transported on one¡¯s head) ¨C causing medical implications such as back/spinal injury, obstructive pulmonary disease, paroxysmal abdominal pain and gastroenteritis.
%K Health
%K electricity
%K water
%U http://www.najms.org/resources/PDF+338-344+Alternate+electrification+and+non-potable+water+A+health+concern+for+Jamaicans.pdf