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

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. HIGHLIGHTS Ground water arsenic contamination in the Indo Gangetic plain bears health risk beyond physiological consequences.; Mental health is explored in arsenic induced cancer (AIC) patients.; Perceived social supports from friends, family and significant others have protective impact on mental health.; Psychological aspects of As exposure calls for policy making and timely intervention to achieve the UN-SDG-3.;

Keywords

• arsenic contamination
• arsenic-induced cancer
• groundwater
• mental health
• middle gangetic plain
• perceived social support