Alternate electrification and non-potable water: A health concern for Jamaicans

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) - causing medical implications such as back/spinal injury, obstructive pulmonary disease, paroxysmal abdominal pain and gastroenteritis.