Cumulative Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Impacting Veteran Cancer Diagnosis
Date of Conferral
10-30-2023
Degree
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
School
Health Services
Advisor
Berthline Isma
Abstract
Based on the ecosocial theory of disease distribution, this study investigated potential links between US military veterans’ exposure to PFAS-contaminated water sources and specific health diagnoses from 2005 to 2015. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, with the NHANES datasets for years 2005-2015, the study examined the associations between prostate cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease diagnoses, and cumulative environmental exposures resulting from permanent change of station assignments during veterans’ US Military service. Despite rigorous analytical approaches incorporating tools such as Pearson correlation, Spearman rank correlation, and multiple linear regression, the study did not identify any statistically significant relationship between the specific health conditions and PFAS exposure. However, the study’s significance goes beyond primary findings, emphasizing the complex and multi-layered nature of disease distribution, which is influenced by various environmental, societal, and biological determinants. The study underscored the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to health determinants, as suggested by the ecosocial theory. This approach can inspire positive social change through leading policy-makers to consider the intricate interplay between societal constructs, biological predispositions, and environmental exposures when making decisions.
Recommended Citation
Hill, Brandy, "Cumulative Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Impacting Veteran Cancer Diagnosis" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15037.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15037
