Coping with coal: Exploring the experience of communities near a coalfired power plant utilizing descriptive phenomenological approach

Abstract

Background: Coal is the largest source of energy on earth and is used to supply electricity in many countries. Unfortunately, as much as it helps light up some communities, coal-fired power plants are also the world's biggest industrial polluters.

Objectives: This study investigated the environment and health conditions of the community before, and 20 years after the construction of the coal. It explored the perception of the respondents on the presence of a coal-fired power plant in their community, and determined strategies that can help protect the community against the coal-fired power plant.

Methodology: It utilized descriptive phenomenological design using in-depth interviews through snowball
sampling. Data were analysed through Colaizzi method and was guided by the health belief model which
claims that change can occur if self-efficacy is built in.

Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) realization of the deterioration of the environment and the residents' health, (2) awareness on the interplay between economic gain, politics, and impact on health and environment, and (3) recognizing the need for increased community empowerment on health and environment.

Conclusion: The presence of a coal-fired power plant in the community brings about negative changes in health and environment. Sustainable efforts to combat such negative effects are needed, and community residents in the vicinity of the power plant need to be empowered to conduct check-and-balance for their own health and environmental safety.