Determining satisfaction with access and financial aspects of care for persons exposed to Libby amphibole asbestos: rural and national environmental policy implications

J Environ Public Health. 2011:2011:789514. doi: 10.1155/2011/789514. Epub 2011 Oct 4.

Abstract

Libby, Montana is a Superfund site and epicenter of one of the worst environmental disasters in the USA history in terms of asbestos-related mortality and morbidity. Perceptions of access and financial aspects of care were explored among a national cohort of persons postasbestos exposure and prior to a 2009 Public Health Emergency Declaration. Our findings indicated the Libby cohort was significantly less satisfied with access and financial aspects of care as measured by two PSQ-III scales when compared to an adult, chronically ill patient sample. Participants with higher levels of respiratory morbidity and depression had significantly lower satisfaction scores.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asbestos, Amphibole / toxicity*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Disasters
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Policy
  • Female
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mining*
  • Montana / epidemiology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / epidemiology
  • Rural Health
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Asbestos, Amphibole
  • Hazardous Waste