Heavy metals and microbial loads in raw fecal sludge from low income areas of Ashanti Region of Ghana

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Appiah-Effah ◽  
Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko ◽  
Eric Ofosu Antwi ◽  
Esi Awuah
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Standard Methods ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
Fecal Sludge ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Direct Use ◽  
Public Toilets ◽  
Microbial Quantities

This study was carried out to determine the heavy metals and microbial loads of raw public toilet sludge from low income areas (peri-urban and rural) of Ashanti Region of Ghana. Fecal sludges were sampled from public toilets. Methods outlined in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewaters were used for the analyses of fecal sludge samples. Range of heavy metals concentrations were found as 0.039–5.216 mg/l and 0.010–1.488 mg/l for peri-urban and rural areas, respectively. These concentrations were in the order of Mn > >Cu > >Fe > >Zn > >Pb > >Ar > >Cd and Zn > >Mn > >Fe > >Cu > >Pb > >Ar > >Cd for peri-urban and rural areas, respectively. The range of bacteria loads was measured as 1.4 × 106–4.5 × 107CFU/100 ml for peri-urban and 0.2 × 106–4.5 × 107CFU/100 ml for rural areas. Similarly, range of helminths was determined as 1–18 eggs/100 ml for both peri-urban and rural areas. The study showed that the levels of heavy metals and microbial quantities were generally higher in peri-urban compared to rural areas. However, fecal sludge from these low income areas are not recommended for direct use in agriculture unless they are given further treatment. Composting is recommended as a promising and suitable method for effective treatment of fecal sludge resulting in a hygienically safe and economically profitable product.

Faecal sludge management in low income areas: a case study of three districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Appiah-Effah ◽  
Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko ◽  
Samuel Fosu Gyasi ◽  
Esi Awuah
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sludge Management ◽  
The Public ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
Toilet Facility ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Public Toilets ◽  
Faecal Sludge

The challenge of faecal sludge management (FSM) in most developing countries is acute, particularly in low income areas. This study examined the management of faecal sludge (FS) from household latrines and public toilets in three districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana based on household surveys, key informant interviews and field observations. Communities did not have designated locations for the disposal and treatment of FS. For household toilets, about 31 and 42% of peri-urban and rural respondents, respectively, with their toilets full reported that they did not consider manual or mechanical desludging as an immediate remedy, although pits were accessible. Households rather preferred to close and abandon their toilets and use public toilets at a fee or practise open defecation. For the public toilets, desludging was manually carried out at a fee of GHC 800–1,800 and the process usually lasted 8–14 days per toilet facility. The study showed that FSM has not been adequately catered for in both peri-urban and rural areas. However, respondents from the peri-urban areas relatively manage their FS better than their rural counterparts. To address the poor FSM in the study communities, a decentralized FS composting is a potential technology that could be used.

scholarly journals Geographical and socioeconomic inequalities in the utilization of maternal healthcare services in Nigeria: 2003–2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chijioke Okoli ◽  
Mohammad Hajizadeh ◽  
Mohammad Mafizur Rahman ◽  
Rasheda Khanam
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequalities ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Theil Index ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
North East ◽  
Birth Attendance ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Background Maternal mortality has remained a challenge in many low-income countries, especially in Africa and in Nigeria in particular. This study examines the geographical and socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization in Nigeria over the period between 2003 and 2017. Methods The study used four rounds of Nigeria Demographic Health Surveys (DHS, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018) for women aged 15–49 years old. The rate ratios and differences (RR and RD) were used to measure differences between urban and rural areas in terms of the utilization of the three maternal healthcare services including antenatal care (ANC), facility-based delivery (FBD), and skilled-birth attendance (SBA). The Theil index (T), between-group variance (BGV) were used to measure relative and absolute inequalities in the utilization of maternal healthcare across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The relative and absolute concentration index (RC and AC) were used to measure education-and wealth-related inequalities in the utilization of maternal healthcare services. Results The RD shows that the gap in the utilization of FBD between urban and rural areas significantly increased by 0.3% per year over the study period. The Theil index suggests a decline in relative inequalities in ANC and FBD across the six geopolitical zones by 7, and 1.8% per year, respectively. The BGV results do not suggest any changes in absolute inequalities in ANC, FBD, and SBA utilization across the geopolitical zones over time. The results of the RC and the AC suggest a persistently higher concentration of maternal healthcare use among well-educated and wealthier mothers in Nigeria over the study period. Conclusion We found that the utilization of maternal healthcare is lower among poorer and less-educated women, as well as those living in rural areas and North West and North East geopolitical zones. Thus, the focus should be on implementing strategies that increase the uptake of maternal healthcare services among these groups.

scholarly journals Epidemiology and associated factors of atopic dermatitis in Malagasy children

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. Sendrasoa ◽  
I. M. Ranaivo ◽  
N. H. Razanakoto ◽  
M. Andrianarison ◽  
O. Raharolahy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Little is known about the epidemiology and associated factors of childhood AD in the markedly different, low-income, tropical environment like Madagascar. Methods We aim to assess the epidemiology and associated factors of AD in individuals fewer than 15 years of age in Antananarivo Madagascar. It was a retrospective and descriptive study over a period of 7 years (2010 to 2016) in children 6 months to 14 years in the Department of Dermatology, Joseph Raseta Befelatanana Antananarivo Madagascar. The diagnosis of AD was based on clinical data. Results The prevalence of AD was 5.6% in children aged 6 months to 14 years. The details of 151 cases of atopic dermatitis were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 4 years. There was a female preponderance (sex ratio: 0.7). A family history of AD was noted in 56 cases (37%). No association between breast-feeding and AD was found. The age of onset of AD was before the age of 3 months in 7.5% and between 6 months to 5 years in 70%. Children born in March (dry season) had the highest risk of AD. Consultations for AD increased during the winter (from July to October; p = 0.005). However, the prevalence of AD was similar in urban and rural areas. Conclusion Weather may have an impact on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Madagascar. No significant correlation was found between the duration of breastfeeding and AD, as well as urbanization.

scholarly journals Neonatal mortality and leading causes of deaths: a descriptive study in China, 2014–2018

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e042654
Author(s):  
Yuxi Liu ◽  
Leni Kang ◽  
Chunhua He ◽  
Lei Miao ◽  
Xiaoqiong Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Neonatal Mortality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Government Interventions ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

ObjectiveThe present study estimated the national and urban–rural levels and causes of neonatal deaths in China annually between 2014 and 2018 to provide data support for the further end of preventable neonatal deaths for China and other low-income and middle-income countries.MethodsThe study was based on data from the National Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System. All neonates of surveillance districts (gestational week: ≥28 weeks) who died after delivery have been involved in the study. The mortality rate and the leading causes of death for neonates were analysed.ResultsThe neonatal mortality rate (NMR) of China has steadily decreased from 5.9 deaths per 1000 live births in 2014 to 3.9 deaths per 1000 live births in 2018. The NMR in 2018 of urban and rural areas was 2.2 deaths per 1000 live births and 4.7 deaths per 1000 live births, respectively. The leading preventable causes of neonatal deaths are the same in the urban and rural areas were same, which were preterm birth, intrapartum complications and pneumonia. Mortality rates of these three causes fell significantly between 2014 and 2018 but contributed to a higher proportion of deaths in rural areas than urban areas. The proportion of preventable deaths accounted for 74.6% in 2018.ConclusionsThe NMR of China has decreased steadily from 2014 to 2018. However, the inequality between urban and rural areas still exists. The goal of government interventions should be to reduce the health inequality of neonates and further take targeted measures to eliminate preventable neonatal death.

scholarly journals A qualitative exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on food decisions of economically disadvantaged families in Northern Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Spyreli ◽  
Michelle C. McKinley ◽  
Jayne V. Woodside ◽  
Colette Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Meal Preparation ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
Food Decisions ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Meal Planning ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The first UK-wide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had a serious financial impact on low-income households, a population already in higher risk of food insecurity and poor dietary choices. Qualitative data on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on food decisions of UK families are scarce. This study aimed to explore how the measures to control the spread of COVID-19 influenced the food-related decisions of socioeconomically deprived families in Northern Ireland. Methods A qualitative study captured data from online individual interviews. Participation was open for parents of children 2–17 years old living on a tight budget in urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland. A sampling matrix enabled equal representation of single- and two-parent households, as well as parents of younger children (<12y) and adolescents (≥12y). Data were collected by using the methods of Photovoice and mapping exercise. Data were analysed through a thematic approach. Results Twelve online interviews were conducted and five distinct themes were identified reflecting families’ food-related decisions that were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown: 1) food planning; 2) food purchasing; 3) meal preparation; 4) eating and feeding behaviours and 5) eating food prepared outside the house. Conclusions The restrictions put in place to inhibit the spread of COVID-19 influenced all aspects of dietary decisions of low-income families. Changes observed during this period included frequent consumption of homemade meals, but also increased unhealthy snacking. Infrequent food shopping encouraged good meal planning, but was also a barrier to securing adequate fresh food. Food-related support including school meal assistance contributed to families’ food security, particularly those of single parents.

scholarly journals The Uneven Perils of Unemployment and Underemployment: The Role of Employment Structure in explaining Rural-Urban Poverty Differences, 1970-2018.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew M Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Labor Force ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Poverty ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Poverty Rate ◽  
Employment Structure ◽  
Discouraged Workers ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

There has been a persistent gap in the poverty rate between urban and rural areas of the United States. Much of this gap has be attributed to industrial composition, however employment composition also likely plays a key role. Underemployment and labor force non-participation have been become significant issues in rural areas. This study uses data from the Current Population Survey for 1970 to 2018 to understand how poverty rates among 6 employment groups —(1) not in the labor force, (2) discouraged workers, (3) unemployed workers, (4) low hours workers, (5) low income workers, and (6) adequately employed workers— can explain the persistent gap in poverty between urban and rural areas. Demographic standardization and decomposition techniques reveal that majority of the poverty gap is explained by differences in poverty rates for the employment groups. Rural individuals in all employment group have higher poverty rates than urban individuals in the same group. Analysis also shows that if rural America had either the employment structure or the employment specific poverty rates of urban America than poverty rates would be much lower in rural areas.

scholarly journals Urbanisation and asthma in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the urban–rural differences in asthma prevalence

Thorax ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 1020-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Rodriguez ◽  
Elizabeth Brickley ◽  
Laura Rodrigues ◽  
Rebecca Alice Normansell ◽  
Mauricio Barreto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Asthma Prevalence ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundUrbanisation has been associated with temporal and geographical differences in asthma prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, little is known of the mechanisms by which urbanisation and asthma are associated, perhaps explained by the methodological approaches used to assess the urbanisation-asthma relationship.ObjectiveThis review evaluated how epidemiological studies have assessed the relationship between asthma and urbanisation in LMICs, and explored urban/rural differences in asthma prevalence.MethodsAsthma studies comparing urban/rural areas, comparing cities and examining intraurban variation were assessed for eligibility. Included publications were evaluated for methodological quality and pooled OR were calculated to indicate the risk of asthma in urban over rural areas.ResultsSeventy articles were included in our analysis. Sixty-three compared asthma prevalence between urban and rural areas, five compared asthma prevalence between cities and two examined intraurban variation in asthma prevalence. Urban residence was associated with a higher prevalence of asthma, regardless of asthma definition: current-wheeze OR:1.46 (95% CI:1.22 to 1.74), doctor diagnosis OR:1.89 (95% CI:1.47 to 2.41), wheeze-ever OR:1.44 (95% CI:1.15 to 1.81), self-reported asthma OR:1.77 (95% CI:1.33 to 2.35), asthma questionnaire OR:1.52 (95% CI:1.06 to 2.16) and exercise challenge OR:1.96 (95% CI:1.32 to 2.91).ConclusionsMost evidence for the relationship between urbanisation and asthma in LMICs comes from studies comparing urban and rural areas. These studies tend to show a greater prevalence of asthma in urban compared to rural populations. However, these studies have been unable to identify which specific characteristics of the urbanisation process may be responsible. An approach to understand how different dimensions of urbanisation, using contextual household and individual indicators, is needed for a better understanding of how urbanisation affects asthma.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017064470.

scholarly journals Social security expenses with patients with back pain by the National Institute of Social Security of Brazil from 2008 to 2014

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e233
Author(s):  
Marcelo José da Silva de Magalhães ◽  
Samara Aparecida Martins Dias Silva ◽  
Fernando Ericson Almeida Vieira ◽  
Samuel Caires Martins de Lima ◽  
Thais Mendes Colares Maurício ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Lower Back Pain ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
The Public ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
The Social ◽  
Average Annual Cost ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Objective: To analyze all social security expenditures paid by Brazilian Institute of Social Security (INSS) of lower back pain, from 2008 to 2014. Methods: Consultation to Social Security database in order to obtain information about the main benefits offered individuals by the INSS, in the period between 2008 and 2014. Based on the Social Security database and the ICDs M51 and M54, the INSS expenditures were assessed for low-income retirement, sickness and to accidental retirement, between men and women from urban and rural areas from 2008 to 2014. Results: In this period, the most prevalent benefit was Disease Aid, with an average annual cost of R$ 88.458.511,10. The total cost of benefit was: Accidental Sickness Insurance-R$ 116.076.692,00;Accidental Retirement-R$ 6.740.052,84; Illness Assistance-R$ 373.547.294,00; Retirement Due to Disability-R$ 75.883.844,00. Among all the above mentioned beneficiaries, there was a predominance of males and individuals living in the urban area. Conclusions: Lower back pain leads to suffering for workers, costs to companies, as well as burdening the public coffers regarding the social security system and health care.

scholarly journals HISTORY OF BIRTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktoriia Duha ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
Business Culture ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Mass Migration ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
The City

In the second half of XX-th century the interest to the rural tourism has raised. The processes of urbanization and globalization have made the rural tourism actual and profitable kind of activity that holds its strong place in the world tourism market. It is considered as an important segment of modernization of the agricultural economy, favours to solve the task of economic, social and spiritual revival of the village, to create new jobs, to raise the welfare of the population, as well as to reduce social tensions. However, in order to organize the activity with providing of the rural tourism services, it is necessary to study history carefully of its formation both in Ukraine and abroad. It is necessary to take into account the specifics of rural tourism development in different countries. The purpose of the research is the determination of the preconditions of the birth of the rural tourism, the analysis of the historical stages, the models of its formation and development in Ukraine and abroad. During the research it is established that the birth of rural tourism took place in distant antiquity, and its formation as an organized kind of activity occurred in the 1970s. That time, this alternative type of employment was stimulated with the aim to stop the mass migration of the population from the countryside to the city. It is determined that the impetus for the popularity of the rural recreation is the global phenomenon of urbanization – urban residents are seeking for peace, dimension in sparsely populated areas. Analyzing the publications of the scientists, it was found that in some countries the stimulus to provide tourist services in rural areas was targeted influence from the side of public authorities aimed at supporting of unpromising agricultural areas, restoring the balance between urban and rural areas, strengthening the financial position of farmers without big investments, recreation for the low-income groups, etc. In the regional programs of development of the domestic tourism it is important to take into consideration the preconditions of birth, historical aspects of formation and specific features of rural tourism development in different geographical regions. The implementation of the best practices in the activities of modern farmsteads of the rural tourism, agritourism enterprises of Ukraine will give the possibility to diversify the kinds of activities in rural areas, to improve employment opportunities in the rural areas, to reduce the outflow of youth to the city, to improve social and household infrastructure, to increase the production of environmentally friendly products, to raise the level of business culture of rural population, etc.

Biosecurity of Poultry Worker Related to Avian Influenza in Bangladesh

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Swapan Kumar Roy ◽  
Quazi Zahangir Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Change Behavior ◽  
Poultry Workers ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Research on biosecurity of poultry workers of Live Bird Market (LBM) in urban and rural areas related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) was undertaken during March-June, 2014 at Keshabpur upazila (22°48´-22°57´N latitude and 89°06´-89°22´E longitude), Jessore, Bangladesh. A non-randomized (purposive) sampling method was applied and a descriptive type of cross sectional study was performed among 72 workers, dividing them into two groups as 36 urban and 36 rural poultry workers of LBM through split-halves variation technique. They were interviewed confidentially in their work place using a structured pretested questionnaire. Among respondents 53%, 75%, 45%, 81%, and 56% of urban and 50%, 42%, 50%, 89%, and 36% of rural residence had attended up to primary school, knowledge about AI through media like TV and radio, used proper personal protective equipment as mask and gloves, washed their hands and equipment after finishing work and cleaned stalls/cages daily and mostly they used water as a cleaning material, respectively. In urban (14%) and rural (36%) workers used the same vehicle to transport poultry and humans. A combined effort is required to enhance knowledge and change behavior among those most at risk in low-income countries and precautions necessary to avoid spreading the virus among poultry and humans.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document