Mortality in the Bedouin Population and Proximity to a Regional Industrial Complex
Author Information
Author(s): Karakis Isabella, Bolotin Arkady, Kordysh Ella, Belmaker Ilana, Sarov Batia
Primary Institution: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Hypothesis
Is there an association between mortality in the Bedouin population and residential distance to an industrial park?
Conclusion
The study results suggest an association between residential proximity to the regional industrial park and increased mortality rates in the Negev Bedouin population.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased mortality rates were observed in the Bedouin population residing up to 20 km from the industrial park.
- Mortality rates due to symptoms/ill-defined conditions were significantly higher among males and females living near the industrial park.
- The study found a significant association between residential proximity to the industrial park and increased mortality rates.
Takeaway
Living close to a big industrial area may make Bedouin people more likely to get sick and die.
Methodology
An ecological study conducted from 1995 to 2001 using mortality data and residential distance to the industrial park as an exposure measure.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of exposure due to reliance on residential distance.
Limitations
The study relied on indirect exposure measures and did not account for individual environmental factors.
Participant Demographics
The study included the entire Bedouin population of the Negev, characterized by low socio-economic status and high rates of consanguineous marriages.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
1.15–2.36
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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