Brittany Mollette
Research Mentor(s): Tina Lasisi
Mentor Department: Anthropology
Authors: Brittany Mollette, Paloma Contreras
Session: Session 4 (1:00pm – 1:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 113
Abstract
Water insecurity, or the lack of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods, and well-being affects 3 billion people annually. Regions that face water insecurity often have water-management practices that are shaped by local culture, such as roof-top rain catches, boiling water, and other water storage methods. Additionally, the lack of this necessary resource may result in regular practices or behaviors that increase the risk for chronic disease or potentially reduce the ability to properly care for individuals suffering from chronic disease. For the purpose of this study, we used a mixed methods approach to understand the relationship between water insecurity and chronic disease among women from Mexico City. Utilizing surveys such as an intake screening, NESTSMX, and HWISE we will compile data from 400 women living in Mexico City’s most densely populated borough, Iztapalapa. Through the exploration of this data, we will gain a better picture of water management practices (screening, NESTSMX) and know whether a high HWISE score is associated with a higher prevalence of chronic disease. As Mexico City is one of the most water insecure cities in the world this study highlights the impacts of water scarcity on culturally shaped water practices that may increase public health risk factors, like the onset or exacerbation of chronic disease.
