Environmental Stress and Health in Bangladesh: The Moderating Effects of Migration and Social Support

Abstract

Growing concerns over global climate change and its consequences for the health and well-being of populations living in ecologically vulnerable locations warrant a greater understanding of human-environment interactions. My dissertation draws on a variety of data sources, including household surveys, water samples, and spatial data, to investigate the impact of environmental conditions, both perceived and actual, on physical health outcomes. I further examine whether and how migration and social support moderate the environment-health association. My research is situated in the context of Bangladesh which is experiencing profound socio-economic transformation, high levels of environmental stress, and concomitant mobility of its population. Findings from my dissertation draw attention to the indispensable and protective role of social resources in the mitigation of environmental health impacts.