1.  Peer Reviewed Title: What does access to maternal care mean among the urban poor? Factors associated with use of appropriate maternal health services in the slum settlements of Nairobi, Kenya. Author: Fotso J; Ezeh A; Madise N; Ziraba A; Ogollah R Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2009 Jan;13(1):130-7. Abstract: Objectives: The study seeks to improve understanding of maternity health seeking behaviors in resource-deprived urban settings. The objective of this paper is to identify the factors which influence the choice of place of delivery among the urban poor, with a distinction between sub-standard and "appropriate" health facilities. Methods: The data are from a maternal health project carried out in two slums of Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 1,927 women were interviewed, and 25 health facilities where they delivered, were assessed. Facilities were classified as either "inappropriate" or "appropriate". Place of delivery is the dependent variable. Ordered logit models were used to quantify the effects of covariates on the choice of place of delivery, defined as a three-category ordinal variable. Results: Although 70% of women reported that they delivered in a health facility, only 48% delivered in a facility with skilled attendant. Besides education and wealth, the main predictors of place of delivery included being advised during antenatal care to deliver at a health facility, pregnancy "wantedness", and parity. The influence of health promotion (i.e., being advised during antenatal care visits) was significantly higher among the poorest women. Conclusion: Interventions to improve the health of urban poor women should include improvements in the provision of, and access to, quality obstetric health services. Women should be encouraged to attend antenatal care where they can be given advice on delivery care and other pregnancy-related issues. Target groups should include poorest, less educated and higher parity women. Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | SLUMS | URBAN POPULATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES | UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE | CHILDBIRTH | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | PROMOTION | ANTENATAL CARE | MULTIPARITY | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health Services Evaluation | Pregnancy Outcomes | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Marketing | Parity | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics Document Number: 308031 |
| 2. Peer Reviewed Title: Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among women of reproductive age in the slums of Delhi and Hyderabad, India. Author: Ghosh J; Wadhwa V; Kalipeni E Source: Social Science and Medicine. 2009 Feb;68(4):638-42. Abstract: This report explores how vulnerability to HIV/AIDS applies to women in the reproductive age range living in the slum areas of Delhi and Hyderabad. The paper is based on a qualitative study of AIDS awareness levels conducted during the summer of 2006. It offers insightful narratives from a sample of 32 women, providing an in depth view of their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS due to their precarious socioeconomic conditions and low AIDS awareness. The women cited lack of education, low empowerment in expressing and accessing information related to sexual matters, and poverty as key factors to vulnerability. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | WOMEN | SLUMS | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS | AWARENESS | REPRODUCTIVE AGE | RISK FACTORS | POVERTY | INFORMATION | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Contraception | Family Planning | Knowledge | Sociocultural Factors | Reproduction | Health | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 341554 |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: HIV-related risk behaviours and the correlates among rickshaw pullers of Kamrangirchar, Dhaka, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study using probability sampling. Author: Hoque HE; Ono-Kihara M; Zamani S; Ravari SM; Kihara M Source: BMC Public Health. 2009;9:80. Abstract: BACKGROUND: National HIV serological and behavioural surveillance of Bangladesh repeatedly demonstrated a very high proportion of rickshaw pullers in Dhaka city, having sex with female sex workers (FSWs) and using illicit substances. However, no study has been conducted to identify the correlates of having sex with FSWs among this population. This study aimed to describe behavioural profile of rickshaw pullers in Dhaka city using probability samples and to identify the correlates for having sex with FSWs in order to focus HIV prevention intervention. METHODS: Six hundred rickshaw pullers were randomly selected from rickshaw garages in the Kamrangirchar area, the single largest slum cluster of Dhaka, Bangladesh, during March-April 2008 using the Proportion Probability to Size method. Participants were interviewed, with a response rate of 99.2% (n = 595), using a structured questionnaire and asked about illicit substance use, sexual behaviour and risk perception for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Independent predictors of having sex with FSWs were analysed by multivariate analysis. A qualitative study was subsequently conducted with 30 rickshaw pullers to supplement the findings of the initial survey. RESULTS: The proportion of survey respondents who had sex with FSWs and those who used illicit substances in the previous 12 months period were 7.9% and 24.9%, respectively, much lower than the results achieved in the 2003-04 behavioural surveillance (72.8% and 89.9%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed the characteristics of younger age, being never married, living alone with family remaining in other districts and using illicit substances in the previous 12 months were significantly associated with having sex with FSWs. CONCLUSION: HIV-related risk behaviour of our study population of the rickshaw pullers was lower than what has been suggested by the results of behavioural surveillance. While this discrepancy should be addressed in further studies, our study emphasizes the importance of focused HIV prevention programs for rickshaw pullers as high-risk behaviour is displayed at an unacceptable level and concentrated in identifiable sub-populations. Language: English Keywords: BANGLADESH | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | LABOR FORCE | SLUMS | SEX BEHAVIOR | SAMPLING ERRORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Error Sources | Measurement Document Number: 341351 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: Fragile, threatened, and still urgently needed: family planning programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Author: Jacobstein R; Bakamjian L; Pile JM; Wickstrom J Source: Studies in Family Planning. 2009 Jun;40(2):147-154. Abstract: Many family planning (FP) programs in sub-Saharan Africa are fragile; recent performance has fallen off and future performance is challenged. Yet robust and wellfunctioning FP programs are still urgently needed if countries are to meet their health, equity, poverty-alleviation, and economic development goals. In support of these observations, we present data on FP parameters in sub- Saharan Africa overall and in eight of its countries, including Nigeria, the most populous African country; Kenya, a long-time leader in FP in the region; and Uganda, with fertility among the highest in Africa and a population projected to more than triple in the next 40 years to become sub-Saharan Africa's fourth-most-populous country. We also draw upon findings of individual case studies of the contraceptive programs of Ghana (Solo et al. 2005c), Malawi (Solo et al. 2005a), Senegal (Wickstrom et al. 2006), Tanzania (Pile and Simbakalia 2006), and Zambia (Solo et al. 2005b), as well as a synthesis of some of these case studies (ACQUIRE Project 2005). All eight of these countries, which together comprise 40 percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa, are facing the same difficult dynamics in terms of threat and need. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | CRITIQUE | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | NEEDS | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | TOTAL FERTILITY RATE | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | DECENTRALIZATION | FUNDS | URBANIZATION | POVERTY | FOOD SECURITY | Africa | Developing Countries | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Planning | Economic Factors | Contraception | Fertility Rate | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Financial Activities | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Food Supply | Natural Resources | Environment Document Number: 341898 |
| 5. Peer Reviewed Title: On population growth near protected areas. Author: Joppa LN; Loarie SR; Pimm SL Source: PLoS One. 2009;4(1):e4279. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Protected areas are the first, and often only, line of defense in efforts to conserve biodiversity. They might be detrimental or beneficial to rural communities depending on how they alter economic opportunities and access to natural resources. As such, protected areas may attract or repel human settlement. Disproportionate increases in population growth near protected area boundaries may threaten their ability to conserve biodiversity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using decadal population datasets, we analyze population growth across 45 countries and 304 protected areas. We find no evidence for population growth near protected areas to be greater than growth of rural areas in the same country. Furthermore, we argue that what growth does occur near protected areas likely results from a general expansion of nearby population centers. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results contradict those from a recent study by Wittemyer et al., who claim overwhelming evidence for increased human population growth near protected areas. To understand the disagreement, we re-analyzed the protected areas in Wittemyer et al.'s paper. Their results are simply artifacts of mixing two incompatible datasets. Protected areas may experience unusual population pressures near their edges; indeed, individual case studies provide examples. There is no evidence, however, of a general pattern of disproportionate population growth near protected areas. Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | POPULATION GROWTH | ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | NATURAL RESOURCES | URBANIZATION | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Environment | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors Document Number: 331218 |
| 6. Peer Reviewed Title: Relationship between intestinal parasitic infection in children and soil contamination in an urban slum. Author: Korkes F; Kumagai FU; Belfort RN; Szejnfeld D; Abud TG; Kleinman A; Florez GM; Szejnfeld T; Chieffi PP Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics. 2009 Feb;55(1):42-5. Abstract: PURPOSE: Urban slums are well known for their high infant mortality and morbidity rates, and parasitic infections seem to be a common problem among these children. The aim of the present study was to determine protozoa and nematodes prevalence among children of a selected community located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and access the relation between soil and children infection. METHODS: Soil contamination samples from 15 strategic locations in the slum area as well as stool samples (examined for protozoa and nematodes through five different methods) from 120 children aged 2-14 years (49% M: 51% F, mean +/- SD = 7.9 +/- 3.8 years) were assessed in a cross-sectional study. Children's domicile locations were determined, and a comparative analysis was undertaken to correlate children and soil infection. RESULTS: Overall infection rate was 30.8% (n = 37), without difference between genders. The most frequent intestinal protozoa were Endolimax nana (20.8%), Entamoeba coli (15.8%) and Giardia lamblia (16.7%). Frequencies of Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius vermicularis in stool samples were 2.5 and 1.7%, respectively. No cases of hookworms, Schistosoma mansoni or Tricuris trichiura were identified. Polyparasitism occurred in 10.8% of the children, while 69.2% were free of parasitic infections. Out of the 15 soil samples analyzed, Ascaris sp. eggs were found in 20% and hookworm eggs in 6.7%. CONCLUSION: Helminth infection is not as prevalent as previously reported in urban slums in Sao Paulo, neither as clinical disease nor in soil samples. Protozoa intestinal infection, however, is still frequent in some marginalized populations in Sao Paulo. Improvement in living standards, mostly sanitation might decrease the prevalence of these diseases. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | CHILDREN | SLUMS | PREVALENCE | SOIL QUALITY | ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION | PARASITIC DISEASES | GASTROINTESTINAL EFFECTS | SCHISTOSOMIASIS | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Measurement | Environment | Environmental Degradation | Diseases | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 330412 |
| 7. Peer Reviewed Title: HIV/AIDS and the health of older people in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya: results from a cross sectional survey. Author: Kyobutungi C; Ezeh AC; Zulu E; Falkingham J Source: BMC Public Health. 2009 May 27;9(1):153. Abstract: ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The proportion of older people is increasing worldwide. Globally, it is estimated that older people (those 60 years or older) constitute more than 11% of the population. As the HIV/AIDS pandemic rages in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), its impact on older people needs closer attention given the increased economic and social roles older people have taken on as a result of increased mortality among adults in the productive age groups. Few studies have looked at older people and their health in SSA or indeed the impact of HIV/AIDS on their health. This study aims to assess the effect of being directly or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS on the health of older people in two Nairobi slums. METHODS: Data were collected from residents of the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance area, who on 1st October 2006, were 50 years and older. Health status was assessed using the short SAGE (Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health) form and two outcome measures - self-rated health and a composite health score - were generated. To assess HIV/AIDS affected status, respondents were asked: Have you personally been affected by HIV/AIDS? If yes, a follow up question: "How have you been personally affected by HIV/AIDS?" was asked. Ordinal logistic regression was used in models with self-rated health and linear regression in models with the health score. RESULTS: About 18% of respondents reported being affected by HIV/AIDS in at least one way, although less than 1% reported being infected with HIV. Nearly 60% of respondents reported being in good health, 27% in fair health and 14% in poor health. The overall mean health score was 70.6 (SD: 13.9). Females reported worse health outcomes than males. Respondents directly or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS reported worse health outcomes than those not affected: mean health score: 68.5 and 71.1 respectively (t=3.21), and an adjusted odds ratio of reporting "poor health" of 1.42 (95%CI: 1.12-1.80). CONCLUSION: Poor health outcomes among older people affected by HIV/AIDS highlight the need for policies that target them in the fight against HIV/AIDS if they are to play their envisaged care giving and other traditional roles. Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | KAP SURVEYS | HEALTH SURVEYS | OLDER ADULTS | SLUMS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | SEX FACTORS | SELF-PERCEPTION | AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | HEALTH POLICY | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Data Analysis | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Health | Adults | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Perception | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 341484 |
| 8. Peer Reviewed Title: Attribution of malnutrition to cause-specific diarrheal illness: evidence from a prospective study of preschool children in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Author: Mondal D; Haque R; Sack RB; Kirkpatrick BD; Petri WA Jr Source: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2009 May;80(5):824-6. Abstract: We examined whether malnutrition (underweight [WAZ] < -2) increased the risk of diarrhea equally for all enteropathogens. The study was conducted prospectively between January 1999 and July 2002 in Mirpur, an urban slum in Dhaka. Two hundred eighty-nine Bangladeshi children (147 male and 142 female) 2-5 years of age were included in the study. Malnutrition was present in 39% of the children at the time of enrollment. The parents and children were visited and interviewed every other day by health care workers for details about any diarrheal episodes. Stool samples were successfully collected from 62% of episodes of diarrhea. Of the identified enteropathogens, only enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Cryptosporidium sp., and Entamoeba histolytica were significantly more prevalent in malnourished children. We concluded that the malnutrition attributed risk is not equal for enteric pathogens associated with diarrheal illness. Language: English Keywords: BANGLADESH | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | URBAN POPULATION | SLUMS | CHILDREN | DIARRHEA | MALNUTRITION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Diseases | Nutrition Disorders Document Number: 341333 |
| 9. Peer Reviewed Title: Effects of micro-enterprise services on HIV risk behaviour among female sex workers in Kenya's urban slums. Author: Odek WO; Busza J; Morris CN; Cleland J; Ngugi EN; Ferguson AG Source: AIDS and Behavior. 2009 Jun;13(3):449-61. Abstract: This study assessed individual-level effects of adding micro-enterprise services to a peer-mediated HIV/AIDS intervention among 227 female sex workers (FSWs) in Kenya. Survey data were collected in May-July 2003 and July-August 2005. Two-thirds of participants had operational businesses by end-line survey. Nearly half reported to have stopped sex work. Self-reported weekly mean number of all sexual partners changed from 3.26 (SD 2.45) at baseline to 1.84 (SD 2.15) at end-line survey (P < 0.001). Weekly mean number of casual partners did not change significantly. Weekly mean number of regular partners changed from 1.96 (SD 1.86) to 0.73 (SD 0.98) over the follow-up period (P < 0.001). Consistent condom use with regular partners increased by 18.5% and remained above 90% with casual partners. Micro-enterprise services may empower FSWs by giving them an alternative livelihood when they wish to exit or reduce reliance on sex work. Determinants of successful business operation by FSWs deserve further research. Language: English Keywords: KENYA | SLUMS | RESEARCH REPORT | SEX WORKERS | HIV PREVENTION | MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT | TRAINING PROGRAMS | PROGRAM EVALUATION | RISK REDUCTION BEHAVIOR | SEX BEHAVIOR | CONDOM USE | AGE FACTORS | WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Behavior | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Programs | Organization and Administration | Education | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Women's Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 342112 |
| 10. Title: Metabolic syndrome in Africa: an emerging perspective. Author: Onyegbutulem HC; H-Onyegbutulem PI; Reimann M; Li J; Bornstein SR; Schwarz PE Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research. 2009 Feb;41(2):75-8. Abstract: The high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection and the emergence of HIV-related metabolic syndrome from its successful treatment in African countries are discussed. The classical factors fuelling metabolic syndrome as well as the role of urbanization are considered in this review. The future impact of ongoing conflicts and famine in large parts of Africa on the burden of metabolic syndrome in this region is given some attention. The current pattern of metabolic syndrome in Africa may be modified to an even more distinct form, far from that seen elsewhere. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | PREVALENCE | URBANIZATION | HIV INFECTIONS | TREATMENT | METABOLIC EFFECTS | RISK FACTORS | Developing Countries | Measurement | Research Methodology | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 331062 |
| 11. Title: A rights-based approach to accessing health determinants. Author: Perkins F Source: Global Health Promotion. 2009 Mar;16(1):61-4. Abstract: This commentary summarizes the experience and learnings from a site visit in May 2008 to a drop-in centre for vulnerable women in downtown Cairo run by El-Shehab Institution for Comprehensive Development, which provides street outreach for the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). The Centre successfully provides services and support for women, many of who are displaced or refugees and are from the most marginalized areas in Cairo. Through a rights-based approach to the work, the Centre helps people living in the slums fight and win the right to access clean water, sewerage and electrical power in their communities. An individual-based approach to human rights is also used. In the last year El-Shehab have helped 67 women go to court and win their marriage rights from husbands who have abandoned them. Their approach is an example of a successful way to achieve access to basic health determinants. Language: English Keywords: EGYPT | SLUMS | CRITIQUE | NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS | SEX WORKERS | HIV PREVENTION | AIDS PREVENTION | HUMAN RIGHTS | HEALTH | ADVOCACY | WATER SUPPLY | SANITATION | ELECTRICITY | COURT DECISION | Developing Countries | Africa, North | Africa | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Behavior | Behavior | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | AIDS | Communication | Natural Resources | Environment | Public Health | Energy Supply | Litigation Document Number: 342373 |
| 12. Title: Purchase of drinking water is associated with increased child morbidity and mortality among urban slum-dwelling families in Indonesia. Author: Semba RD; de Pee S; Kraemer K; Sun K; Thorne-Lyman A; Moench-Pfanner R; Sari M; Akhter N; Bloem MW Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2009 Jul;212(4):387-97. Abstract: In developing countries, poor families in urban slums often do not receive municipal services including water. The objectives of our study were to characterize families who purchased drinking water and to examine the relation between purchasing drinking water and child morbidity and mortality in urban slums of Indonesia, using data collected between 1999 and 2003. Of 143,126 families, 46.8% purchased inexpensive drinking water from street vendors, 47.4% did not purchase water, i.e., had running or spring/well water within household, and 5.8% purchased more expensive water in the previous 7 days. Families that purchased inexpensive drinking water had less educated parents, a more crowded household, a father who smoked, and lower socioeconomic level compared with the other families. Among children of families that purchased inexpensive drinking water, did not purchase drinking water, or purchased more expensive water, the prevalence was, respectively, for diarrhea in last 7 days (11.2%, 8.1%, 7.7%), underweight (28.9%, 24.1%, 24.1%), stunting (35.6%, 30.5%, 30.5%), wasting (12.0%, 10.5%, 10.9%), family history of infant mortality (8.0%, 5.6%, 5.1%), and of under-five child mortality (10.4%, 7.1%, 6.4%) (all P<0.0001). Use of inexpensive drinking water was associated with under-five child mortality (Odds Ratio [O.R.] 1.32, 95% Confidence Interval [C.I.] 1.20-1.45, P<0.0001) and diarrhea (O.R. 1.43, 95% C.I. 1.29-1.60, P<0.0001) in multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. Purchase of inexpensive drinking water was common and associated with greater child malnutrition, diarrhea, and infant and under-five child mortality in the family. Greater efforts must be made to ensure access to safe drinking water, a basic human right and target of the Millennium Development Goals, in urban slums. Language: English Keywords: INDONESIA | SLUMS | RESEARCH REPORT | SAMPLING STUDIES | CHILDREN | HOUSEHOLDS | WATER SUPPLY | EXPENDITURES | CHILD MORTALITY | INFANT MORTALITY | DIARRHEA | MALNUTRITION | PREVALENCE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Natural Resources | Environment | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Diseases | Nutrition Disorders | Measurement Document Number: 342114 |
| 13. Title: Human population growth and temperature increase along with the increase in urbanisation, motor vehicle numbers and green area amount in the sample of Erzurum city, Turkey. Author: Yilmaz S; Toy S; Demircioglu Yildiz N; Yilmaz H Source: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2009 Jan;148(1-4):205-13. Abstract: In the study, main purpose was to determine the effect of population growth along with the increase in urbanisation, motor vehicle use and green area amount on the temperature values using a 55-year data set in Erzurum, which is hardly industrialised, and one of the coldest cities with highest elevation in Turkey. Although the semi-decadal increases, means of which are 0.1 degrees C for mean, minimum and maximum temperatures, are not clear enough to make a strong comment even in the lights of figures or tables, it was found as the result of the statistical analysis that population growth and increases in the number of vehicles, the number of buildings and the green area amount in the city have no significant effect on mean temperatures. However, the relationships between population growth and maximum temperature; and the number of vehicles and minimum temperature were found to be statistically significant. Language: English Keywords: TURKEY | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL STUDIES | URBANIZATION | POPULATION GROWTH | TRANSPORTATION | Developing Countries | Europe, Southeastern | Europe | Studies | Research Methodology | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 330493 |
15.  Title: World population highlights: Key findings from PRB's 2008 World Population Data Sheet. Author: Population Reference Bureau [PRB] Source: Population Bulletin. 2008 Sep;63(3):1-12. Abstract: This companion report to PRB's 2008 World Population Data Sheet highlights key findings from the data sheet on: world population trends, nutrition, environment, HIV/AIDS, urbanization, and migration. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | TECHNICAL REPORT | POPULATION DYNAMICS | POPULATION DISTRIBUTION | POPULATION STATISTICS | POPULATION GROWTH | POPULATION SIZE | MATERNAL MORTALITY | FERTILITY RATE | CHILD NUTRITION | MIGRATION | HIV | AIDS | WATER QUALITY | WATER SUPPLY | URBANIZATION | Demographic Factors | Population | Geographic Factors | Research Methodology | Mortality | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Nutrition | Health | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Water | Natural Resources | Environment | Urban Population Distribution Document Number: 328155 |
| 16. Title: An overview of urbanization, internal migration, population distribution and development in the world. Author: United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Population Division Source: New York, New York, United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2008 Jan 14. 34 p. (UN/POP/EGM-URB/2008/01) Prepared for the United Nations Expert Group Meeting on Population Distribution, Urbanization, Internal Migration and Development, New York, New York, January 21-23, 2008. Abstract: The distribution of humanity on the earth's surface has always responded to the opportunities that different territories provide. After the invention of agriculture, the availability of arable land largely determined the place where most people settled. The practice of agriculture also permitted the accumulation of food surpluses and the differentiation of productive activities that led to the emergence of more complex settlements generically identified as "cities". In modern history, cities have played key roles as centres of Government, production, trade, knowledge, innovation and rising productivity. The changes brought about by the industrial revolution would be unimaginable in the absence of cities. The mechanization of production made necessary the concentration of population. Rapid industrialization was accompanied by increasing urbanization. In 1920, the more developed regions, being the most industrialized, had just under 30 per cent of their population in urban areas. As industrialization advanced in the developing world so did urbanization, particularly in Latin America where 41 per cent of the population was urban by 1950. In Africa and Asia levels of urbanization remained lower, although the urban population increased markedly, particularly in Asia. Between 1920 and 2007, the world's urban population increased from about 270 million to 3.3 billion, with 1.5 billion urban dwellers added to Asia, 750 million to the more developed regions, just under 450 million to Latin America and the Caribbean, and just over 350 million to Africa. These changes foreshadow those to come. Between 2007 and 2050, the urban population is expected to increase as much as it did since 1920, that is, 3.1 billion additional urban dwellers are expected by 2050, including 1.8 billion in Asia and 0.9 billion in Africa. These powerful trends will shape and in turn be shaped by economic and social development. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | RESEARCH REPORT | POPULATION DISTRIBUTION | URBAN AREAS | URBAN POPULATION | URBANIZATION | RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION | INTERNAL MIGRATION | POVERTY | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | RURAL POPULATION DISTRIBUTION | DEMOGRAPHIC AGING | DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS | POLICY | Geographic Factors | Population | Population Characteristics | Urban Population Distribution | Migration | Population Dynamics | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 323730 |
| 17. Title: United Nations Expert Group Meeting on Population Distribution, Urbanization, Internal Migration and Development, New York, 21-23 January 2008. Author: United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Population Division Source: New York, New York, United Nations, 2008 Mar. 364 p. (ESA/P/WP.206) Abstract: In 2008, the world is reaching an important milestone: for the first time in history, half of the world population will be living in urban areas. Urbanization has significant social and economic implications: Historically, it has been an integral part of the process of economic development and an important determinant of the decline in fertility and mortality rates. Many important economic, social and demographic transformations have taken place in cities. The urban expansion, due in part to migration from rural to urban areas, varies significantly across regions and countries. The distribution and morphology of cities, the dynamics of urban growth, the linkages between urban and rural areas and the living conditions of the rural and urban population also vary quite substantially across countries and over time. In general, urbanization represents a positive development, but it also poses challenges. The scale of such challenges is particularly significant in less developed regions, where most of the urban growth will take place in the coming decades. To discuss trends in population distribution and urbanization and their implications, the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat organized an Expert Group Meeting on Population Distribution, Urbanization, Internal Migration and Development. The meeting, which took place from 21 to 23 January at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, brought together experts from different regions of the world to present and discuss recent research on urbanization, the policy dimensions of urban growth and internal migration, the linkages and disparities between urban and rural development, aspects of urban infrastructure and urban planning, and the challenges of climate change for the spatial distribution of the population. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | UNITED KINGDOM | CONFERENCES AND CONGRESSES | EVALUATION | MIGRANTS | URBAN POPULATION | URBANIZATION | INTERNAL MIGRATION | RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION | POPULATION DISTRIBUTION | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | UN | GROUP MEETING | SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | LABOR MIGRATION | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Migration | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Population Characteristics | Urban Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Economic Factors | International Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Communication Document Number: 325697 |
| 18. Title: Social factors, social support and condom use behavior among young urban slum inhabitants in southwest Nigeria. Author: Adedimeji AA; Heard NJ; Odutolu O; Omololu FO Source: East African Journal of Public Health. 2008 Dec;5(3):215-22. Abstract: This study explored condom use behavior, specifically the extent to which beliefs, self efficacy, risk perception, and perceived social support act as predictors of use or non-use of condoms among sexually active young people aged 15–24 years. Data were obtained from 448 and 338 sexually active boys and girls, respectively, who were selected through multistage sampling techniques. Generally, there was widespread knowledge and low levels of condoms use, despite high levels of risky sexual behavior. Although half of boys and one third of girls reported ever using condoms, a considerably lower proportion of male and female adolescents regularly used condoms. Logistic regression models showed that among girls, those who perceived social support from peers and non-parental figures were more likely to use condoms while among boys, earning an income, high risk perception, and self efficacy were associated with higher odds of condom use. Language: English Keywords: NIGERIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | URBAN POPULATION | SLUMS | YOUTH | CONDOMS | CARE AND SUPPORT | COMMUNITY-BASED DISTRIBUTION | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Age Factors | Barrier Methods | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Nonclinical Distribution | Distributional Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 331150 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Strengthening functional community-provider linkages: lessons from the Indore urban health programme. Author: Agarwal S; Satyavada A; Patra P; Kumar R Source: Global Public Health. 2008 Jul;3(3):308-325. Abstract: Weak linkages between health providers and slum communities hinder the improvement of health services for India's urban poor. To address this issue, an urban health programme is implementing two approaches in Indore city, Madhya Pradesh, the demand-supply linkage approach and ward coordination approach. The former is based on the premise that building social capital, i.e. norms and networks within a community facilitating collective action, helps improve the demand and supply of health services for the urban poor. The latter focuses on encouraging local stakeholders to function in a coordinated manner to ensure better health service coverage in underserved slum areas. Findings suggest that the programme has enhanced utilization of services among Indore's slum communities and helped improve immunization coverage and other maternal and child health indicators. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | EVALUATION REPORT | OPERATIONS RESEARCH | SLUMS | HEALTH PERSONNEL | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONS | COMMUNICATION STRATEGY | COORDINATION | HUMAN CAPITAL | SOCIAL MOBILIZATION | COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION | UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Evaluation | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Research Methodology | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Communication | Interpersonal Relations | Behavior | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Social Change | Sociocultural Factors | Health Services Document Number: 327758 |
| 20. Title: Socio-demographic variables associated with AIDS epidemic: evidence from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the African countries. Author: Al-Asfahani AM; Girvan JT Source: African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. 2008 Sep;8(1):1-16. Abstract: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been spreading rapidly worldwide for the past two decades, causing a variety of symptoms known as the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which has killed millions of people, and which looks likely to kill millions more. Generally, HIV infection rates are currently decreasing in several countries, but globally the number of people living with HIV/AIDS continues to rise both geographically and among specific demographic groups. For example, despite the remarkable efforts that are being made throughout Africa to avert the spread of HIV and reduce its impact, the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa continues to spread obstinately. Among the vexing issues related to the AIDS epidemic are the insufficient provisions of planners, policy makers and the public in general in curbing its devastating consequences to the health sector, households, schools, workplaces, economies and the quality of life as a whole. This paper presents information on the association between socio-demographic variables and AIDS prevalence in some African and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The studied variables included size of population; population density; urbanization; average life expectancy; average female life expectancy; average male life expectancy; literacy; female and male literacy; population increase; infant mortality; average daily calorie intake; gross domestic product (GDP) per capita; religion; fertility rates; death rates; and AIDS-rate. Several parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques were adopted including Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. Insignificant difference in the means of AIDS-rates between the OECD countries and the African group was found, but the difference was significant when the USA was excluded from the analysis. As initially expected, life expectancy in the OECD countries was significantly higher than that of the African group while the average rates of infant mortality, population growth, fertility, and death were significantly higher within the African group. Significant association between AIDS-rate and life expectancy was only found for African males, while association with fertility, infant mortality, population density, and calorie intakes was statistically insignificant. No clear difference between urban and rural areas with respect to AIDS-rates was discerned. Communities of Muslims were less subject to the AIDS problem. In conclusion, future studies should devote more attention toward impacts on HIV/AIDS prevalence of other equally important variables such as access to social and health care services, cultural norms, ethnic diversity, and educational facilities. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | HIV INFECTIONS | HIV TRANSMISSION | POPULATION DENSITY | URBANIZATION | LIFE EXPECTANCY | LITERACY | INFANT MORTALITY | POPULATION DYNAMICS | QUALITY OF LIFE | RISK FACTORS | Developing Countries | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Urban Population Distribution | Length of Life | Mortality | Demographic Factors | Educational Status | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Social Welfare | Biology Document Number: 322509 |
| 21. Title: Effects of deworming on malnourished preschool children in India: An open-labelled, cluster-randomized trial. Author: Awasthi S; Peto R; Pande VK; Flectcher RH; Read S Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2008 Apr;2(4):e223. Abstract: More than a third of the world's children are infected with intestinal nematodes. Current control approaches emphasise treatment of school age children, and there is a lack of information on the effects of deworming preschool children. We studied the effects on the heights and weights of 3,935 children, initially 1 to 5 years of age, of five rounds of anthelmintic treatment (400 mg albendazole) administered every 6 months over 2 years. The children lived in 50 areas, each defined by precise government boundaries as urban slums, in Lucknow, North India. All children were offered vitamin A every 6 months, and children in 25 randomly assigned slum areas also received 6-monthly albendazole. Treatments were delivered by the State Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), and height and weight were monitored at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months (trial registration number NCT00396500). p Value calculations are based only on the 50 area-specific mean values, as randomization was by area. The ICDS infrastructure proved able to deliver the interventions. 95% (3,712/3,912) of those alive at the end of the study had received all five interventions and had been measured during all four follow-up surveys, and 99% (3,855/3,912) were measured at the last of these surveys. At this final follow up, the albendazole-treated arm exhibited a similar height gain but a 35 (SE 5) % greater weight gain, equivalent to an extra 1 (SE 0.15) kg over 2 years (99% CI 0.6-1.4 kg, p = 10211). In such urban slums in the 1990s, five 6-monthly rounds of single dose anthelmintic treatment of malnourished, poor children initially aged 1-5 years results in substantial weight gain. The ICDS system could provide a sustainable, inexpensive approach to the delivery of anthelmintics or micronutrient supplements to such populations. As, however, we do not know the control parasite burden, these results are difficult to generalize. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | SLUMS | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL TRIALS | CHILDREN | MALNUTRITION | PARASITE CONTROL | GASTROINTESTINAL EFFECTS | DRUGS | BODY WEIGHT | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Clinical Research | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Public Health | Health | Physiology | Biology | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care Document Number: 326362 |
| 22. Title: Migrants and changing urban periphery: social relations, cultural diversity and the public space in Istanbul’s new neighbourhoods. Author: Ayata S Source: International Migration. 2008 Oct;46(3):27-64. Abstract: This study examines the dynamics of socio-cultural change in a peripheral neighbourhood in Istanbul, an "edge city" that is ethnically mixed, culturally heterogeneous, socially differentiated and spatially multi-functional. One major focus in the study is the changing nature of social relations in traditional groups. Though kinship, hems¸ eri (place of origin) and neighbourhood solidarity is still crucial in the lives of the migrants, participation in these groups becomes more voluntary and the ties among members less obligatory. Secondly, the ethnic and religious groupings in the neighbourhood are not always exclusive, authoritarian and patriarchal communities. What generally appears as rigid communitarian fragmentation is often one of cultural diversity for the residents of the locality. The associational pluralism that exists in the neighbourhood enables people to claim multiple ethnic, religious, political and cultural identities. Thirdly, though they compare unfavourably with their middle class counterparts in the city, the new neighbourhoods provide greater opportunities and more public space for interaction among the members of the locality than for instance, the rural communities. The study also questions the often taken-for-granted image of a rigidly polarized city in view of empirical evidence that indicates the multiple and complex economic and political links between the new neighbourhoods and the broader urban society. Finally, isolation from middle class areas in the city does not necessarily lead to the exclusion of the whole peripheral urban population from urban life, urban institutions and urban culture. These become increasingly present in the new neighbourhoods and available for the majority of the residents. The main conclusion is that Istanbul contains a number of such edge cities, which have powerful integrating and urbanizing influences on individuals. Language: English Keywords: TURKEY | RESEARCH REPORT | ETHNIC GROUPS | YOUTH | MIGRANT WORKERS | SOCIAL CHANGE | CULTURE | INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS | URBANIZATION | LIFE STYLE | Developing Countries | Europe, Southeastern | Europe | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Age Factors | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Behavior | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors Document Number: 329498 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: Determinants of Zambian men's extra-marital sex: A multi-level analysis. Author: Benefo KD Source: Archives of Sexual Behavior. 2008 Aug;37(4):517-529. Abstract: Research interest in extra-marital sex has increased as scholars have become aware of its role in sustaining epidemics of STDs in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. While most research has used the socioeconomic and demographic features of individuals as determinants of extra-marital sexual behavior, this study examined the role played by community characteristics. Using data from the 2003 Zambian Sexual Behavior Survey for a sample of 1,118 men aged 15-59 and multilevel logistic regression techniques, the study analyzed the effects of community social and demographic characteristics on involvement in extra-marital sex while controlling for the men?s individual level characteristics. Men?s involvement in extra-marital sex was found to vary with the characteristics of communities. The chances of men?s involvement in extra-marital sex increased with community-level ethnic heterogeneity and urbanization, decreased in commercial centers, and in communities with a demographic surplus of males, health workers active in AIDS prevention, and access to the mass media. These results show that scholars trying to understand the motivations for extra-marital sex must pay attention to the characteristics of both individuals and communities. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ZAMBIA | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | MEN | EXTRAMARITAL SEX BEHAVIOR | ETHNIC GROUPS | URBANIZATION | HIV PREVENTION | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Data Analysis | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases Document Number: 327543 |
| 24. Peer Reviewed Title: Malnutrition and morbidity among children not reached by the national vitamin A capsule programme in urban slum areas of Indonesia. Author: Berger SG; de Pee S; Bloem MW; Halati S; Semba RD Source: Public Health. 2008 Apr;122(4):371-378. Abstract: The objective was to determine whether vitamin A capsule programmes fail to reach children who are at higher risk of malnutrition and morbidity. Although it has been suggested that there are health disparities between children who are reached or not reached by these programmes, little quantitative work has been undertaken to characterize this relationship. As part of a national surveillance system, nutritional status and other factors were compared in 138,956 children, aged 12-59 months, who had and had not received vitamin A supplementation in urban slum areas in Indonesia. In total, 63.1% of children had received a vitamin A capsule within the previous 6 months. Among children who had and had not received vitamin A supplementation, respectively, the proportion with weight-for-age and height-forage Z scores less than -3 were 7.8% vs 8.6% (P less than 0.0001) and 9.4% vs 10.7% (P less than 0.0001), and with a history of diarrhoea in the previous week was 8.1% vs 10.7% (P less than 0.0001). In families where a child had or had not received vitamin A supplementation, the proportion with a history of infant death less than 12 months was 5.2% vs 7.2% (P less than 0.0001) and child death less than 5 years was 6.7% vs 9.2%, respectively (P less than 0.0001). Children who had not received vitamin A supplementation were also significantly more likely to be anaemic and have diarrhoea or fever on the survey day compared with children who had received supplementation. In the urban slums of Indonesia, children who do not receive vitamin A supplementation tend to be slightly more malnourished and ill, and are more likely to come from families with higher child mortality than children who receive vitamin A. Higher rates of child mortality in non-participating households suggest that reaching preschoolers could yield a disproportionate survival benefit. Importantly, children who are not reached by the vitamin A programme are also unlikely to be reached by vaccination and other services, emphasizing the need to identify and extend efforts to reach non-participants. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDONESIA | SLUMS | RESEARCH REPORT | NUTRITION SURVEYS | CHILDREN | MALNUTRITION | MORBIDITY | VITAMIN A | ANEMIA | DIARRHEA | IMMUNIZATION | FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Nutrition | Health | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Nutrition Disorders | Diseases | Vitamins and Minerals | Physiology | Biology | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Nutrition Programs Document Number: 325094 |
| 25. Title: New forms of citizenship and socio-political inclusion: accessing antiretroviral therapy in a Rio de Janeiro favela. Author: Cataldo F Source: Sociology of Health and Illness. 2008 Sep;30(6):900-12. Abstract: Brazil has received praise internationally for its national health policy against HIV. Whilst the ethical stance of the Brazilian programme has been widely applauded, there is a lack of empirical data on how the commitment to equitable and universal HIV prevention and treatment works in practice among the poorest population groups. The aim of this paper is to explore the broad ethics of the Brazilian AIDS programme by investigating how universal access to HIV treatment is being implemented within a favela (shanty town). Data collected through anthropological research show that in settings such as the favelas, the universal character of this public health programme is challenged by a number of issues such as local definitions of illness, problems related to the understanding of and adherence to treatment, structural violence, political alienation, and lack of perspectives about the future. It is also argued that such health intervention has contributed to the promotion of novel attitudes towards individual notions of socio-political participation. These are explored with reference to the notion of therapeutic citizenship, which in the context of a favela neighbourhood translates into a new set of concerns around free access to and availability of treatment, the right to health care and the sustainability of public health policies. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | CRITIQUE | EVALUATION | LOW INCOME POPULATION | SLUMS | INEQUALITIES | HIV PREVENTION | AIDS PREVENTION | POVERTY | ETHICS | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | PUBLIC HEALTH | VIOLENCE | POLITICAL FACTORS | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | AIDS | Sociocultural Factors | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health | Behavior Document Number: 329206 |
| 26. Title: Multiple dimensions of urban well-being: Evidence from India. Author: Chandrasekhar S; Mukhopadhyay A Source: New York, New York, Population Council, 2008. 23 p. (Poverty, Gender, and Youth Working Paper No. 11) Abstract: This paper addresses differences in outcomes across households residing in slums and non-slum urban areas of India. Using a nationally representative household data set, we undertake a robust multidimensional evaluation of intracity differences in well-being. We first established that if utility is defined as access to public goods such as water and sanitation, then residents in non-slum urban areas are unambiguously better off than slum dwellers. This finding implies that there is justification for slums garnering a sizable portion of the allocation of water and sanitation programs. On the other hand, we found that the distribution of private goods (monthly per capita expenditure and per capita living area) in non-slum areas does not dominate the distribution of these goods in the slums. In fact, at very low levels of MPCE and per capita living area, the distribution of these private goods in slums dominates the distribution in nonslums. This important finding implies that non-slum residents are not unequivocally better off than slum residents. Since slums are on an average poorer than other urban areas, it may be more pragmatic, therefore, to target policies at slum development. However, such policies would fail to reach the poorest residents of non-slum areas in both large and small cities. Our results make the case for a more inclusive policy that targets these groups as well. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | URBAN POPULATION | HOUSEHOLDS | QUALITY OF LIFE | WATER SUPPLY | WATER QUALITY | SANITATION | POVERTY | SLUMS | URBANIZATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Social Welfare | Economic Factors | Natural Resources | Environment | Water | Public Health | Health | Socioeconomic Factors | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors Document Number: 327062 |
| 27. Title: Population, health, and environment issues in the Philippines. A profile of Calabarzon (Region 4-A). Author: De La Paz MC; Colson L Source: Washington, D.C., Population Reference Bureau [PRB], Population, Health, and Environment Program, 2008 Oct. 6 p. Abstract: Linking population, health, and environment (PHE) issues is becoming increasingly important for the Philippines, where natural resources and public health and well-being are often negatively affected by factors such as population pressures and poverty. Understanding these connections--including the economic and social context in which they occur--and addressing PHE issues in an integrated manner is critical for achieving sustainable development. This regional PHE profile highlights key population, health, and environment indicators and important development challenges for the Calabarzon Region (Region 4-A). The profile is designed to help educators, policymakers, and community leaders identify key threats to sustainable development and explore possible approaches to addressing them. This profile is part of a series covering select regions of the Philippines, and is intended as a companion publication to the Population Reference Bureau's 2006 data sheet, Making the Link in the Philippines: Population, Health, and the Environment. Language: English Keywords: PHILIPPINES | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL STUDIES | EVALUATION INDEXES | POPULATION | ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | POPULATION DYNAMICS | POPULATION SIZE | URBANIZATION | FAMILY PLANNING | NATURAL RESOURCES | CONTRACEPTIVE PREVALENCE | POPULATION PROJECTION | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Environment | Economic Factors | Demographic Factors | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Estimation Techniques | Health Document Number: 323137 |
| 28. Title: Tuberculosis risk among staff of a large public hospital in Kenya. Author: Galgalo T; Dalal S; Cain KP; Oeltmann J; Tetteh C; Kamau JG; Njenga MK; Breiman RF; Chakaya JM; Irimu HM; Miller B; De Cock KM; Bock NN; Ijaz K Source: International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2008 Aug;12(8):949-54. Abstract: SETTING: In sub-Saharan Africa, high rates of tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection pose a serious threat for occupationally acquired TB among health care workers. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with TB disease among staff of an 1800-bed hospital in Kenya. DESIGN: We calculated TB incidence among staff and conducted a case-control study where cases (n = 65) were staff diagnosed with TB and controls (n = 316) were randomly selected staff without recent TB. RESULTS: The annual incidence of TB from 2001 to 2005 ranged from 645 to 1115 per 100000 population. Factors associated with TB disease were additional daily hours spent in rooms with patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.3, 95%CI 1.2-1.5), working in areas where TB patients received care (aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.1-4.2), HIV infection (aOR 29.1, 95%CI 5.1-167) and living in a slum (aOR 4.7, 95%CI 1.8-12.5) or hospital-provided low-income housing (aOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.2-5.6). CONCLUSION: Hospital exposures were associated with TB disease among staff at this hospital regardless of their job designation, even after controlling for living conditions, suggesting transmission from patients. Health care facilities should improve infection control practices, provide quality occupational health services and encourage staff testing for HIV infection to address the TB burden in hospital staff. Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | HEALTH PERSONNEL | SLUMS | PREVALENCE | HOSPITALS | TUBERCULOSIS | RISK ASSESSMENT | OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH | WORKPLACE | TIME FACTORS | LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Health Facilities | Infections | Diseases | Evaluation | Employment | Macroeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Residence Characteristics Document Number: 329457 |
| 29. Title: Water disinfection and hygiene behaviour in an urban slum in Kenya: impact on childhood diarrhoea and influence of beliefs. Author: Graf J; Meierhofer R; Wegelin M; Mosler HJ Source: International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2008 Oct;18(5):335-55. Abstract: In this research project, we studied factors that presumably affect the incidence of diarrhoea among young children in urban slums in developing countries: consumption of safe drinks, hygiene behaviour, cleanliness of household surroundings and the quality of raw water. Beliefs concerning the causes of diarrhoea were also related to health-improving behaviour, namely the application of the water-treatment method SODIS (solar water disinfection) and hygiene behaviour. We conducted a survey in a shanty town in Nairobi, Kenya. Field workers interviewed 500 households. Analysis with regression models revealed that two out of the four postulated factors were significant: children have a lower risk of contracting diarrhoea when they consume high percentages of safe drinks and live in households with good hygiene. As regards beliefs, we found that biomedical knowledge of children's diarrhoea as well as the perceived social norm for treating water was associated with the use of SODIS and good hygiene. Language: English Keywords: KENYA | RESEARCH REPORT | URBAN AREAS | URBAN POPULATION | SLUMS | HYGIENE | SANITATION | BEHAVIOR | WATER QUALITY | DIARRHEA | Africa, Eastern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Geographic Factors | Population | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Public Health | Health | Water | Natural Resources | Environment | Diseases Document Number: 329315 |
| 30. Peer Reviewed Title: Geographic prevalence and multilevel determination of community-level factors associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in Chennai, India. Author: Jennings JM; Louis TA; Ellen JM; Srikrishnan AK; Sivaram S Source: American Journal of Epidemiology. 2008;167(12):1495–1503. Abstract: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, and it increases the risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 at least twofold. Individual-level factors are insufficient to explain geographic and population variation in HSV-2, suggesting the need to identify ecologic factors. The authors sought to determine the geographic prevalence and community-level factors associated with HSV-2 after controlling for individual-level factors among slums in Chennai, India. From March to June 2001, participants aged 18-40 years voluntarily completed a survey and were tested for HSV-2. Community characteristics were assessed through interviews with key informants and other secondary data sources. Multilevel nonlinear analysis was conducted. Eighty-five percent of eligible persons completed the survey; of these, 98% underwent HSV-2 testing, producing a final sample of 1,275. Participants were of Tamil ethnicity, were predominantly female and married, and were on average 30 years old. Fifteen percent were infected with HSV-2, and there was significant variation in HSV-2 prevalence among communities. After controlling for individual-level factors, the authors identified community-level factors, including socioeconomic status and the presence of injection drug users, that were independently associated with HSV-2 and explained 11% of the variance in prevalence. Future studies are needed to test mechanisms through which these community-level factors may be operating. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | URBAN POPULATION | SLUMS | HERPES GENITALIS | EPIDEMIOLOGY | PREVALENCE | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | RESIDENCE CHARACTERISTICS | IV DRUG USERS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Urbanization | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Public Health | Health | Measurement | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Drug Use and Abuse | Behavior Document Number: 327018 |
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