Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Pelagia Melea

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the toxic chemicals contained in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on cancer occurrence and heart disease through occupational and environmental exposure to groundwater sources. This study was important because it provided critical insight for the public health community on the association between variations of past and current levels of VOCs in water sources and cancers and heart disease. The key research questions examined what proportion of occupational and nonoccupational individuals in southeastern North Carolina were diagnosed with cancer or heart disease and whether VOCs were associated with the long-term effects of cancer or heart disease based on concentration levels, controlled for age, gender, ethnicity, and preexisting conditions. Using the social ecological model for the theoretical framework, this quantitative, correlational research design with secondary analysis assessed health survey data with 1184 total participants, including men, women, and children. Descriptive analyses, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression test were used to measure the association and strength of association between the dependent variables of cancer incidence and heart disease incidence and the independent variable is the exposure level of VOCs. The final analyses depicted no significance between all variables tested (p = 0.177-0.466 for cancer, p =0.151-0.454 for heart disease). Although findings in this study were not significant, the integration of this study into professional practice through new research collaborations between state and federal environmental and public health agencies can invoke positive social change. Further examination of VOCs and their effects on cancer and heart disease incidence may also create new studies of significance.

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