Information needs of informal caregivers in caring and rehabilitation for dioxin victims in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Health outcomes among Agent Orange/dioxin (dioxin) victims are significant due to many individuals requiring daily assistance, informal care, and rehabilitation support. This study aimed to identify the information needs of informal caregivers of dioxin victims in Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Quynh Phu district, Thai Binh province - an area with a large number of dioxin victims, from June 2019 to June 2020. Quantitative data were collected from 124 caregivers of victims via structured interviews. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interview guides with in-depth interviews (IDI) (n = 36) and two focus group discussions (FGD) (n = 12). RESULTS: The results demonstrated that all caregivers of dioxin victims were family members, predominantly older (71.8%), 61.5 years old on average, living on low incomes (87.9%), and were farmers (80.7%). Almost all participants (96.8%) reported having information needs, particularly concerning dioxin's harms, nutrition, dioxin-related policies and rehabilitation, and psychological support for patients. Caregivers reported that they would like to receive information via health staff counselling (85.0%), television (75.0%), and community loudspeaker (65.8%). Notably, the majority of caregivers reported the need for information regarding psychological support (70.0%). These findings are consistent with qualitative data, which identify an urgent need to provide information, especially through health staff and digital resources. CONCLUSION: Many families with dioxin victims lived with little support and information, highlighting their high demand for information about care and rehabilitation. Thus, the healthcare system should promote information support, policy, and psychological support for caregivers and victims. An online support system for caregivers and victims is also recommended.

Biomonitoring of Metals, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and Persistent Pesticides in Vietnamese Female Electronic Waste Recyclers.

OBJECTIVE: Electronic waste is increasing. It is frequently recycled in developing countries. This is the first study to report metals, polybrominated diphenyl-ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), and p,p'-DDE concentrations in female e-waste workers. METHODS: Female Vietnamese recyclers and non-recyclers were studied. Metals and halogenated organics were measured in blood and urine, and compared with levels in women in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). RESULTS: Recyclers had higher serum PBDE than nonrecyclers. PCB-138/158 and PCB-153 were higher in 18 to less than 38-year-old nonrecyclers. Median urinary arsenic in both cohorts was six to seven-fold higher than NHANES. Median lead in blood and urine was 40% to 60% higher in recyclers than nonrecyclers. Lead in nonrecyclers was four to six-fold higher than NHANES. Both cohorts had higher arsenic and mercury than NHANES. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to PBDEs and lead occurred in recyclers. Environmental exposure to arsenic, lead, and mercury occurred in both cohorts. Occupational and environmental remediation are recommended.