Socio-economic status of chronic arsenicosis patients in Bangladesh.

ABSTRACT

The study showed that the maximum number of arsenicosis patients (71%) belonged to low income group and 29% belong to middle class income group but none was found in high income group and all these patients were from rural areas of the country. Majority of all these patients was related with the traditional occupation of the country like cultivation (53%) in addition to lower level of educational background (81.5%). Most of the patients of chronic arsenicosis were suffering from malnutrition (91%). The present study which reflects that the vast majority of patients of chronic arsenicosis in the country belonged to low income group, but also to low educational background and individuals, who had been suffering from malnutrition, needs a special consideration in the management of the problem. Emphasis has been given to have access to arsenic-free water and protein rich diet to people of arsenic affected areas.