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Doctoral Fellowships
Pregnancy is a complex process that involves biological and environmental risk factors which may
lead to undesirable outcomes. The scientific literature offers various reports on the incidence of
spontaneous abortion (SA)/early fetal loss (EFL). Though there is evidence of the involvement of
environmental risk factors in normal pregnancies, a connection is yet to be proven. The unique
fertility patterns in the Negev area, the presence of the Ramat Hovav Industrial Park, and real-
time air quality monitoring enable the study of a potential link between exposure to various air
pollutants and environmental factors and SA/EFL among pregnant Negev residents. In order to
assess the various risk factors that may affect SA or EFL among Negev residents, we carried out a
case-control study at Soroka Medical Center among Jewish and Bedouin women whose verifiable
pregnancy had terminated due to SA or EFL prior to the 22nd week of pregnancy. Those women
were matched with a control group, which advanced past the 22nd week of gestation, based on
ethnic origin and age. Personal exposure to various risk factors was evaluated by subject's place of
residence, personal interviews and medical records.
Fellow
Riki Krispel-Ochayon
Ben-Gurion University
of the Negev
Supervisors
Ilana Shoham-Vardi
and Michael Friger
2009-2012
Early Fetal Loss: The Association between Air Pollution and other Major Risk
Factors and Spontaneous Abortions in Southern Israel
Multicultural Public Participation in Health Impact Assessment
Health impact assessment (HIA) was developed to systematically review plans, projects and policies
and recommend alternatives which maximize health gains and minimize health inequalities. HIA
includes stakeholder participation, in order to democratize decision-making and utilize knowledge,
values and priorities of diverse populations. However, such participation is challenging and complex.
The research aim was to suggest a model for multicultural stakeholder participation. As part of the
research, stakeholder participation was included in the Beer Sheva metropolitan plan, focusing on
land-uses in the vicinity of Ramat Hovav. A steering committee was established, and meetings, focus
groups, interviews and observations conducted. The data were analyzed using qualitative methods.
The research presents the manifestations of the multiplicity of sectors in HIA, and the challenges
raised regarding knowledge, language and risk perception. In addition, the relationships between
technical and local knowledge are explored. The research shows that technical knowledge may
be disputable, uncertain and based on assumptions while local knowledge includes objective and
systematic methods. Finally, a model for multicultural stakeholder participation in HIA is presented.
Research publications
(1)
Negev, M. (2012). Knowledge, data and interests: Challenges in participation of diverse stakeholders in HIA.
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 33
, 48-54.
(2)
Negev, M., Levine, H., Davidovitch, N., Bhatia, R., & Mindell, J. (2012). Integration of health and environment
through health impact assessment: Cases from three continents
. Environmental Research, 114
, 60-67.
(3)
Negev, M., Davidovitch, N., Garb, Y., & Tal, A. (2013). Stakeholder participation in health impact assessment: A
multicultural approach.
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 43
, 112-120.
(4)
Negev, M., & Teschner, N. (2013). Rethinking the relationship between technical and local knowledge: towards a
multi-type approach.
Environmental Science and Policy, 30
, 50-59.
Fellow
Maya Negev
Ben-Gurion University
of the Negev
Supervisors
Alon Tal,
Yaakov Garb and
Nadav Davidovitch
2008-2011