M.S. Thesis Proposal

“Environmental and Health Perceptions of Ocean Users Along the Imperial and

Coronado Beaches in Southern California”IRB Protocol # Pro00012014

Presented by Trista Brophy

May 1st, 2014

Overview

1. Research Problem & Purpose2. Study Area3. Conceptual Framework4. Research Design & Methodology5. Benefits of Proposed Research6. Project Time Line7. Q & A

Problem Statement

Garbage & sewage runoff pollute the

Pacific Ocean at the shoreline along

the U.S./Mexico Border region

posing serious health and

environmental threats.

Purpose of the Research

• Identify health outcomes

experienced by ocean users on

the U.S. side of the border and

address the community needs in

regards to polluted ocean water.

Rationale & Justification

• Frequent beach closures associated with a high frequency of ocean contamination

• Many people continue to enter the water during beach closures

• Previous 2009 study1 shows correlation of specific water activities & frequency of contact with illness rates

Research Questions

1. What are the health outcomes, if any, associated with the ocean pollution along San Diego County beaches?

2. Who are the most vulnerable beach users at risk in this area?

3. How has the data changed in the last 5 years?

Hypothesis

Even with beach closures and public

health notices when water quality is below

standard, I believe beach users continue to

experience illness from contaminated

ocean water in the area. I expect no

change in illness rates since 2009.

Approaches of Similar Studies

• Framework of previous studies is based on:1. Cohort Interviews2,3,4

• Bather vs non-bather groups• Water quality samples collected from surf zone• Follow up interviews• Establish dose-response relationships

2. Surveys5,6,7

• Target beach users (mainly surfers & swimmers)• Self-reported data about health symptoms &

recreational water exposure

Ill in past yearNot ill in past year

Number of reported cases of illness/non-illness by degree of typical bodily contact with ocean water (2009 SD Survey6)

Number of reported cases of illness by frequency of contact with ocean water (2009 SD Survey6)

Number of reported cases of illness by type of activity with ocean water (2009 SD Survey6)

Study Area

Methodology

• Previous study (2009 SD survey6) serves as base line model for consistency & comparison

• This survey adds:– Usage patterns during beach closures

• This survey removes:– Annual Household Income

Data Collection

• Survey Form– Paper & Online version– English & Spanish– About 10 minutes to complete

• Survey Distribution– Summer 2014– Adults 18+ in the study area– Imperial Beach to Coronado Island– Flyers with website distributed

Online Tools

• Qualtrics Online Survey

• Border Water Website

Results Analysis

• IBM SPSS statistical analysis software– Wilcoxon & Kruskal Walis tests

• Informal analysis of relevant documents, news releases and health reports in the area

Limitations

1. Survey Distribution Must Be Sufficient– Target of 500 respondents– Need 250 completed surveys for proper

comparison

2. Accuracy of Self-Reporting– Likely there will be inaccuracies in recall of

exposure & illness– Personal beliefs about water quality could

influence reporting

Importance of the Research

• New Health Data

• Education

• Environment

• International Policy

Project Time Line

1. Defend thesis proposal to advisory committee at the University of South Florida – May 1st, 2014

2. Conduct surveys in study areas– May-June, 2014

3. Analysis of data and report write-up– June-July, 2014

4. Research defense – July 31st, 2014

References1. IB Clinic. (2011) Imperial Beach Ocean Water Quality and Community Health. Imperial

Beach Community Clinic. www.ibclinic.org/environmental_health_ocean.html 2. Fleisher, Jay, David Kay, Roland Salmon, Frank Jones, Mark Wyer and Alan Godfree. (1996).

Marine Waters Contaminated with Domestic Sewage: Nonenteric Illnesses Associated with Bather Exposure in the United Kingdom. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 86(9): 1228-1234.

3. Fleisher, Jay, David Kay, Mark Wyer and Alan Godfree. (1998). Estimates of the Severity of Illnesses Associated with Bathing in Marine Recreational Waters Contaminated with Domestic Sewage. International Journal of Epidemiology. Vol. 27: 722-726.

4. Orozco-Borbón, Rico-Mora, Weisber, Noble, Dorse, Leecaster and McGee. (2006). Bacteriological Water Quality Along the Tijuana-Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Shoreline. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Vol. 52(10): 1190-1196.

5. Dwight, Ryan, Deen Baker, Jan Semenza and Betty Olson. (2004). Health Effects Associated With Recreational Coastal Water Use: Urban Versus Rural California. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 94(4): 565-567.

6. IB Clinic. (2011). Imperial Beach Ocean Water Quality and Community Health. Imperial Beach Community Clinic. www.ibclinic.org/environmental_health_ocean.html

7. Turbow, David, Erin Kent and Sunny Jiang. (2007). Web-based Investigation of Water Associated Illness in Marine Bathers. Environmental Research. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2007.06.006

Thank You!