Air Pollution and Health Care Access in Sarnia, Ontario
Author Information
Author(s): Oiamo Tor H, Luginaah Isaac N, Atari Dominic O, Gorey Kevin M
Primary Institution: The University of Western Ontario
Hypothesis
The study assesses the relationship between air pollution and health care access and utilization in Sarnia, Ontario.
Conclusion
The study found that air pollution levels influence health care access and utilization, particularly affecting low-income individuals in high pollution areas.
Supporting Evidence
- General practitioner use increased with levels of exposure to nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
- Low household income was a stronger predictor of having no family doctor in high pollution areas.
- Respondents without regular care in high pollution areas were more likely to report longer travel times for care.
Takeaway
People living in areas with a lot of air pollution have a harder time getting to the doctor, especially if they don't have much money.
Methodology
Residents participated in a Community Health Study with phone surveys and air pollution monitoring using Land Use Regression models.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to over-representation of certain demographics in the sample.
Limitations
The study did not account for barriers to acquiring a family doctor or alternative sources of care like walk-in clinics.
Participant Demographics
The sample included a slightly older population with a higher representation of females compared to the general population of Sarnia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.05
Confidence Interval
(1.141-8.374)
Statistical Significance
p < 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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