The assessment of the physical, medical and psychological condition of the residents in the settlements of Alaverdi, Odzun, Shnogh, Akhtala, Teghut, Mets Ayrum, Pokr Ayrum, Tchotchkan, Shamlugh, Akori, Khagvi, Mghart, Kachachkut of Tumanyan area in Lori Region, Armenia, was carried out. The assessment was carried out by a questionnaire method considering the problems associated with the impact of the environment on the health and social level of the population living in communities affected by the mining industry.
The study was conducted by Czech "Arnika" NGO together with the Armenian organizations "Center for Community Mobilization and Support" and "EcoLur" Informational NGO within the framework of "Raising Awareness of Pollution in Tumanyan Area" project carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The purpose of the study is to assist vulnerable communities in improving the environmental situation in the region considering social risks.
So, almost half of the respondents (48%) rated their general condition as satisfactory, while only 13% of the respondents - as good. 25% of respondents are not satisfied with their health.
An age distribution study found that people complain of liver and kidney problems, blood pressure, allergic reactions, and, to a lesser extent, cardiovascular disease between the ages of 19 and 29., Problems with diabetes and respiratory diseases are added between the ages of 30 and 45. At the age of 46 to 60 years, the main complaints relate to cardiovascular diseases, whereas cardiovascular diseases, problems with the liver and kidneys, cancer, respiratory diseases are added at the age of 60 years and above.
The reasons for the occurrence of diseases that the respondents indicated during the survey are interesting - stress, hard work and the quality of food. Only 15% of the respondents, who were treated in medical institutions, associated the development of their diseases with the state of the environment, but in no case were these considerations recorded in the medical record. As for the psychological state, the majority of respondents (88%) answered that they do not encounter any moral and psychological restrictions in the process of work. Only 12% of respondents noted that their emotional state often or constantly affects the quality of work.
In the next material, proposals to local administrations of vulnerable communities based on the results of the survey will be published.
The research is carried out by the Czech organization Arnika together with the NGO Center for Community Mobilization and Support and the information NGO EcoLur with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic within the Transition Promotion Programme.
March 07, 2022 at 11:54