This evaluation could inform the devel- opment of interventions that provide envi- ronmental health education and training for HCPs, particularly for medical professionals who serve rural populations with high num- bers of residents who use domestic wells as their primary drinking water source. These educational interventions should be evalu- ated to determine their effect on informa- tion-sharing behaviors, overall effectiveness, and potential benefits on community health. Conclusion Our study conducted novel research on nitrate contamination and environmental exposures and provides a valuable founda-
tion for future research. The survey find- ings demonstrate that although HCPs in Nebraska report lacking knowledge, train- ing, and confidence in discussing nitrate contamination in drinking water with patients, they are open to additional training and willing to provide educational resources on the topic to their patients. As attitude was the strongest predictor of information- sharing behaviors for HCPs, future research could focus on targeted interventions and programs to address these gaps. From a policy perspective, our survey findings con- tribute to the broader body of knowledge on nitrate contamination in drinking water in the U.S.
Acknowledgments: The authors thank Mia Bourek and the Bureau of Sociological Research for their assistance in the statis- tical analysis of this article. We gratefully acknowledge the Claire M. Hubbard Foun- dation, Builders Vision Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation for their financial support of this study. Corresponding Author: Krista A. Brown, MBA, MPH, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupa- tional Health, College of Public Health, Uni- versity of Nebraska Medical Center, 984355 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198. Email: krista.brown@unmc.edu
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October 2026 • Journal of Environmental Health
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