Assessing the impact of environmental degradation on children in Cite-Soleil’s health – Part II

Self-Efficacy Assessment

1. I can overcome difficulties with effort and persistence.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
2. I can assert myself when faced with opposition.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
3. Achieving my goals is easy when I focus.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
4. I am confident in handling unexpected events.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
5. My resourcefulness helps me cope with unexpected situations.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
6. Investing effort helps me solve most problems.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4
7. I remain calm and rely on my skills to face difficulties.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
8. I can generate multiple solutions to problems.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
9. When stuck, I can think of alternative actions.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
10. I am generally capable of handling challenging situations.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Scoring:
• Add scores for each item (range: 10-40)
• Higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy

Interpretation:
• 10-20: Low self-efficacy
• 21-30: Moderate self-efficacy
• 31-40: High self-efficacy

Reference:

• Schwarzer, R., & Jerusalem, M. (1995). Generalized Self-Efficacy scale. In J. Weinman, S. Wright,
& M. Johnston (Eds.), Measures in health psychology: A user’s portfolio (pp. 35-37). Windsor, UK:
NFER-NELSON.

Environmental Anxiety Test (EAT)

Instructions: Rate each statement on a scale from 1 to 4, where:

1 = Not at all true
2 = Barely true
3 = Moderately true
4 = Completely true

Environmental Concerns and Distress

1. Thinking about environmental pollution angers me.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
2. I worry that chemicals in my environment are harming my health.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
3. I am unconcerned about getting sick from environmental chemicals.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
4. I fear being poisoned by toxic waste in my environment.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
5. I’m not worried about pollution’s impact on my health.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
6. I worry about pollution harming my physical and mental well-being.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
7. Water pollution doesn’t concern me.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
8. I wonder if my home has hazardous substances like radon.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
9. The thought of toxic dumps scares me.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4

10. I fear nuclear accidents or war.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
11. People overreact to environmental threats.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
12. I’d work in a building with asbestos or similar materials.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
13. Science will find cures for environmental poisons.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
14. Environmental toxins can cause memory problems.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
15. Toxic waste is less serious than reported.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
16. Chronic toxin exposure doesn’t cause serious illness.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
17. Handling chemicals doesn’t increase health risks.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Scoring:
• Add scores for each item (range: 17-68)
• Higher scores indicate greater environmental anxiety

Interpretation:
• 17-34: Low environmental anxiety
• 35-51: Moderate environmental anxiety
• 52-68: High environmental anxiety

Reference:

• Bowler, R. M., & Schwarzer, R. (1991). Environmental Anxiety Test.

Personal and Family History

Please provide information about your medical history and family medical history:

• Medical conditions:
___________________________________________________
• Family medical history:
___________________________________________________
• Previous surgeries or hospitalizations:
___________________________________________________
• Current medications:
___________________________________________________

Functional Review of Systems

Please answer the following questions:

Otorhinolaryngology (OORL)

• Eyes: _____________________________________________
• Nose and Sinuses: ____________________________________
• Oral cavity and Throat: _______________________________
• Ear: _____________________________________________

Cardio-Respiratory

• Palpitations: Yes/No
• Fatigue: Yes/No
• Weakness: Yes/No
• Lung issues (cough, dyspnea): Yes/No

Neurological

• Consciousness (GCS): ________________________________
• Vigilance: ________________________________________
• Sensory disorders: Yes/No
• Motor disorders: Yes/No
• Headache/Migraine: Yes/No

Psychological

• Anxiety: Yes/No
• Stress: Yes/No
• Feeling of helplessness: Yes/No
• Ideas of violence/anger: Yes/No
• Loss of concentration: Yes/No
• Memory problems: Yes/No

Mucous

• Skin lesions: Yes/No
• Mucous lesions: Yes/No

Gastrointestinal

• Abdominal pain: Yes/No
• Nausea/Vomiting: Yes/No
• Diarrhea: Yes/No
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage: Yes/No

Genitourinary

• Dysuria: Yes/No
• Pollakiuria: Yes/No
• Leucorrhoea: Yes/No
• Genital pruritus: Yes/No

Physical Exam and Vital Signs

• Temperature (T): _____________________
• Heart Rate (HR): _____________________
• Respiratory Rate (FR): ________________
• Oxygen Saturation (SAO2): ____________
• Weight: _____________________________
• Blood Pressure (TA): ____________________

Additional Notes

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Signature of Doctor

___________________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________

Preliminary Investigation Report: Impact of Environmental Degradation on Children’s Health in
Cité-Soleil

Summary of Findings

A clinical study conducted on 15 adolescents (12 girls, 3 boys) aged 14-17, residing in Cité-Soleil,
revealed alarming health consequences due to environmental degradation.

Respiratory Issues

• 100% experienced respiratory tract complaints (influenza-like illnesses, bronchopulmonary
disease)

Neuro-Psychiatric Effects

• 100% exhibited neuro-psychiatric symptoms impacting school performance
• 100% showed attention deficit disorder symptoms (inattention, careless mistakes)
• 53% suffered from ongoing anxiety
• 60% experienced stress and headaches

Ophthalmic and Dermatological Disorders

• 87% presented eye irritation (redness, pruritus, tearing, blurred vision)

• 53% had decreased visual acuity
• 73.3% had irritative skin conditions (pruritus, erythema, vesicular/papular/pustular lesions, fungal
dermatophytias)

Gastrointestinal and Urogenital Issues

• 66.6% experienced gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
• 67% of girls had urogenital infections

*Conclusion

The preliminary results demonstrate the devastating impact of environmental degradation on Cité-
Soleil’s children, affecting their physical and mental well-being, academic performance, and future

potential.

“The environment is killing these kids, not only physically but also killing their dreams, potential,
and ability to succeed. Together, we can achieve social, economic, and environmental justice. It’s a
basic human right to live in a safe, clean environment that fosters hope and greatness.”

Signed,

Mackenson Saint Fort, M.D.

Date: December 3, 2020

Witnessed by: __________________________

Recommendations

1. Immediate environmental interventions to reduce pollution.
2. Comprehensive healthcare services for affected children.
3. Community education on environmental health risks.
4. Advocacy for policy changes promoting environmental justice.

Future Directions

1. Expand sample size and study scope.
2. Conduct longitudinal studies to monitor health outcomes.
3. Develop targeted interventions addressing specific health concerns.

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Environmental health.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Environmental health.
• Schwarzer, R., & Bowler, R. M. (1991). Environmental Anxiety Test.