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According to World Health Organization, there is an 85% decline in the recorded child deaths from 1971 in Bangladesh from 371.3 to 22.6 per 1000 live births. However, the rate of child mortality is still quite significant considering the growing development of Bangladesh. In maximum literatures, the prevalent reasons behind child mortality are portrayed as complete biological phenomena and medical conditions (e.g., asphyxia, prematurity, and low birth weight) for the children under the age of 5 in Bangladesh. This research focused on the reasons behind child mortality beyond the biological and medical conditions while stressing on finding the preventable causes of child mortality, through a systematic method of death study named Social Autopsy. Social autopsy refers to a structured qualitative research tool that aims at identifying social, behavioral, and health systems contributors to child deaths. Using this tool, the research has identified that multiple socio-cultural, structural, and behavioral conditions along with medical conditions for child mortality. The research was done in two of the biggest slum areas of Dhaka city: Hazaribagh and Kamrangir Char. 15 families who lost children under 5 years and 5 health care providers were interviewed with a semi-structured method to draw an inclusive picture of socio-cultural dynamics of child mortality. The data was analyzed manually through thematic analysis and narrative analysis which showed the interconnection of all the broader underlying reasons and a detailed impacts of specific causes of child mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Multi-morbidity is a pervasive and growing issue worldwide. The prevalence of multi-morbidity varies across different populations and settings, but it is particularly common among older adults. It poses substantial physical, psychological, and socio-economic burdens on individuals, caregivers and healthcare systems. In this context, the present study aims to provide an insight on the prevalence and degree of multi-morbidity; and also, on the relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions among a group of slum-dwelling older women. Methods This community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the slum areas of urban Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It includes total 500 older women, aged 60 years or above. Pre-tested schedules on so-demographic and morbidity profile have canvassed to obtain the information by door-to-door survey. To determine the relationship between the level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions, correspondence analysis has performed. Results The study revealed three most prevalent morbid conditions- back and/or joint pain, dental caries/cavity and hypertension. The overall prevalence of multi-morbidity was 95.8% in this group of older women. It was highly over-represented by the oldest-old age group (80 years and above). Majority were found to suffer from five simultaneous morbid conditions that accounted for 15.2% of the total respondents. All of the oldest-old women of this study reported to suffer from more than two medical conditions simultaneously. Three distinct groups were formed based on the inter-relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions. The group 1 and 2 represents only 27.8% and 18% of the total sample. Whereas, group 3 comprises the highest level of morbidities (≥ 6) and 52.8% of total sample, and strongly related with general debilities, cardiac problems, asthma/COPD, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders, hypothyroidism and oral health issues. Conclusion The findings confirmed the assertion that multi-morbidity in slum living older adults is a problem with high prevalence and complexity. This study proposes an easily replicable approach of understanding complex interaction of morbidities that can help further in identifying the healthcare needs of older adults to provide them with healthy and more productive life expectancy.

Abstract Background Stress, depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health concerns that are getting worse every day in the context of rapidly expanding megacities, where a rising number of people live in slums. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the state of mental health and related variables underlying mental health issues among the impoverished population. Methodology A total of 384 slum residents from the Khulna division responded to our questionnaire, which included the DASS-21 and other pertinent questions. Using ordinal logistic regression, the significant factors were extracted. Results The Cronbach’s reliability coefficient for the DASS-21 scale lies between 0.79 and 0.89 which indicates the high reliability of the DASS-21 scales. According to the findings, roughly 72.7%, 84.1%, and 69% of participants slum dwellers experienced anxiety, depression, and anxiety problems respectively. The result of ordinal logistic regression shows, slum dwellers of female gender (B = 0.669*, 95% CI 0.141, 1.197), married (B = 1.506*, 95% CI 0.119, 2.893), having only one earning member in the family (B = 1.224*, 95% CI 0.526, 1.922), day laborers (B = 2.294*, 95% CI 1.115, 3.473), not being able to educate children due to financial problem (B = 0.558*, 95% CI 0.183, 0.932) were more likely to report high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Conclusion The study finds that a significant portion of people who live in slums struggle with mental health issues. It also points to the need for further support, intervention, and study on Khulna's slum inhabitants who are experiencing mental health issues. The authors anticipate that the results will spur policymakers and government representatives to enhance financing for slum dwellers and employ psychological intervention strategies, both of which will aid in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal.

Background: The MCP card is used as a tool for pregnant women, young mothers and family members to learn about various types of services which they should assess and utilize. The study was undertaken to see the awareness about MCP card and its components among beneficiaries in urban slum area. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study done in urban slum immunization OPD with a sample size of 226. Convenient sampling method was used to select the samples. Mothers consenting and willing to participate in the study were enrolled. Results: Observed that the MCP card was issued to majority participants at the time of baby immunization (44.15%), followed by at time of delivery (31.4%) and least number received it at the time of pregnancy registration (24.34%). It is also observed that only 53.54%(121) women had read the card while the remaining didn’t. Majority thought the primary use of MCP card was vaccination record (91.5%), followed by information tool (52.%). It is observed that knowledge regarding pregnancy care and its related complications leads to better utilization of ANC services. Conclusion: As observed in the present study a sizeable proportion of populations doesn’t even read the card, and among those who read it the level of knowledge isn’t satisfactory, many use the card as a vaccination record but still the awareness about various vaccines among the beneficiaries remains low.

Abstract Background This study examined the neonatal mortality for newborn of women who delivered by caesarean section or vaginally using a prospective cohort. Methods A total of 6,989 live births registered from 2016 to 2018, were followed for neonatal survival from the selected slums of Dhaka (North and South) and Gazipur city corporations, where icddr,b maintained the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). Neonatal mortality was compared by maternal and newborn characteristics and mode of delivery using z-test. Logistic regression model performed for neonatal mortality by mode of delivery controlling selected covariates and reported adjusted odd ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Out of 6,989 live births registered, 27.7% were caesarean and the rest were vaginal delivery; of these births, 265 neonatal deaths occurred during the follow-up. The neonatal mortality rate was 2.7 times higher (46 vs. 17 per 1,000 births) for vaginal than caesarean delivered. Until 3rd day of life, the mortality rate was very high for both vaginal and caesarean delivered newborn; however, the rate was 24.8 for vaginal and 6.3 per 1,000 live births for caesarean delivered on the 1st day of life. After adjusting the covariates, the odds of neonatal mortality were higher for vaginal than caesarean delivered (aOR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.82, 3.85). Additionally, the odds were higher for adolescent than elderly adult mother (aOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.48), for multiple than singleton birth (aOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 2.82, 10.33), for very/moderate (aOR: 5.13; 95% CI: 3.68, 7.15), and late preterm birth (aOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.08) than term birth; while the odds were lower for girl than boy (aOR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.96), and for 5th wealth quintile than 1st quintile (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.91). Conclusion Our study found that caesarean delivered babies had significantly lower neonatal mortality than vaginal delivered. Therefore, a comprehensive delivery and postnatal care for vaginal births needed a special attention for the slum mothers to ensure the reduction of neonatal mortality.

Background: Multi-morbidity is a pervasive and growing issue worldwide. The prevalence of multi-morbidity varies across different populations and settings, but it is particularly common among older adults. It poses substantial physical, psychological, and socio-economic burdens on individuals, caregivers and healthcare systems. In this context, the present study aims to provide an insight on the prevalence and degree of multi-morbidity; and also, on the relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions among a group of slum-dwelling older women. Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the slum areas of urban Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It includes total 500 older women, aged 60 years or above. Pre-tested schedules on so-demographic and morbidity profile have canvassed to obtain the information by door-to-door survey. To determine the relationship between the level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions, correspondence analysis has performed. Results: The study revealed three most prevalent morbid conditions- back and/or joint pain, dental caries/cavity and hypertension. The overall prevalence of multi-morbidity was 95.8% in this group of older women. It was highly over-represented by the oldest-old age group (80 years and above). Majority were found to suffer from five simultaneous morbid conditions that accounted for 15.2% of the total respondents. All of the oldest-old women of this study reported to suffer from more than two medical conditions simultaneously. Three distinct groups were formed based on the inter-relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions. The group 1 and 2 represents only 27.8% and 18% of the total sample. Whereas, group 3 comprises the highest level of morbidities (≥ 6) and 52.8% of total sample, and strongly related with general debilities, cardiac problems, asthma/COPD, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders, hypothyroidism and oral health issues. Conclusion: The findings confirmed the assertion that multi-morbidity in slum living older adults is a problem with high prevalence and complexity. This study proposes an easily replicable approach of understanding complex interaction of morbidities that can help further in identifying the healthcare needs of older adults to provide them with healthy and more productive life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review of urban slum and suburban sprawl situations across the world. The article is more descriptive in nature than analytical and has the objective of bringing out the interrelationships among urbanization, urban slums, suburban sprawls, and environmental sustainability. It begins by examining the concepts of urbanization, urban slums, suburban sprawl, safe cities, resilient cities, and sustainable cities. It then goes on to look at the causes and consequences of urban slums and suburban sprawl. Findings from the study revealed that slums and suburban sprawls are cogs in the wheel of safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. Therefore, the study recommends efficient urban management, the implementation of urban master plans, development control, and citizen participation in urban planning and management. Above all, for the achievement of safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, this study places more emphasis on the use of modern techniques of environmental monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's objective was to determine the predictors that affect the mental health of the 250 elderly living in slums (N=100, 59 males and 41 females) and nonslum areas (N=150, 75 males and 75 females) in Dhaka city of Bangladesh, selected by random sampling. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess their mental health. The Chi-square test and Logistic regression model were used for data analysis. The Chisquare test showed that the psychological stress of the elderly is significantly associated with their age, education, income, and marital status in both slum and non-slum areas. The logistic regression analysis shows that income, diabetes, and physical exercise are the most influential psychological stress factors in the elderly. The elderly living in slum areas are more likely to experience psychological stress than non-slum areas. Therefore, necessary steps should be taken to improve the mental health of the elderlye specially those living in slum areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress, depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health concerns that are getting worse every day in the context of rapidly expanding megacities, where a rising number of people live in slums. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the state of mental health and related variables underlying mental health issues among the impoverished population. Methodology: A total of 384 slum residents from the Khulna division responded to our questionnaire, which included the DASS-21 and other pertinent questions. Using ordinal logistic regression, the significant factors were extracted. Results: The Cronbach's reliability coefficient for the DASS-21 scale lies between 0.79 and 0.89 which indicates the high reliability of the DASS-21 scales. According to the findings, roughly 72.7%, 84.1%, and 69% of participants slum dwellers experienced anxiety, depression, and anxiety problems respectively. The result of ordinal logistic regression shows, slum dwellers of female gender (B = 0.669*, 95% CI 0.141, 1.197), married (B = 1.506*, 95% CI 0.119, 2.893), having only one earning member in the family (B = 1.224*, 95% CI 0.526, 1.922), day laborers (B = 2.294*, 95% CI 1.115, 3.473), not being able to educate children due to financial problem (B = 0.558*, 95% CI 0.183, 0.932) were more likely to report high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Conclusion: The study finds that a significant portion of people who live in slums struggle with mental health issues. It also points to the need for further support, intervention, and study on Khulna's slum inhabitants who are experiencing mental health issues. The authors anticipate that the results will spur policymakers and government representatives to enhance financing for slum dwellers and employ psychological intervention strategies, both of which will aid in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical political omissions and current lack of access to public services in the favelas generates an conflictive and vunerable environment. This research's aim is to understand the environmental issues experienced by residents from two slums in Niterói city (Brazil). Based on the actor-oriented perspective, this investigation analyzes the interaction between residents and interveners. The cultivation of plants and animal rearing plays an important role in the reproduction and sociability of one group of dwellers, and is also promoted by interveners, but these practices are juxtaposed with waste/sewage dumps and with the use of forested areas by drug dealers. This paper concludes that a new type of knowledge is generated, which is intercognitive, and it goes beyond just an adaptation or transference of the techniques, since it is a product of a dialogue-oriented process on facing the favela's contingencies. This shared knowledge is an important subsidy to reflect upon participatory environmental interventions in vulnerable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal entrepreneurship constitutes an essential source of income for women in sub-Saharan Africa. Research has indicated the importance of location to the productivity of informal enterprises, yet we know little about the geography of African women's entrepreneurial activities and associated decisionmaking. This article studies how female slum dwellers in Lusaka organise their entrepreneurial activities spatially and how they justify associated locational choices. The study found a substantial variety in spatial arrangements although proximity to the home often took precedence over other business-related considerations. The ability to overcome or take advantage of geography when carrying out business was clearly bound up in wider relationships pertaining to gender, poverty and regulatory frameworks. Important factors contributing to satisfying business-related locational needs included a strong intrahousehold bargaining position, the ability to outsource reproductive work, social networks, access to financial resources and uneven regulation of space in the residential settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the developmental state attempted to transform the urban slum in Kerala into a model housing colony, narratives of decency, self-restraint, and sexual discipline became crucial for securing housing rights in the transformed space. 'Bad' and 'good' consumption; 'bad' and 'good' poor and images of 'normality' and the 'normal home' as the abode of the ideal citizen and worker were some of the strategies deployed by the residents of the Bangladesh Colony to encounter the quotidian world of moral non-acceptance. This article examines how neoliberal articulation of rights through government projects often have contradictory effects on the lives of differently positioned women. The moral economy of consumption hinders the realization of the neoliberal ideal of the consumer-citizen. Practices considered as 'excess' in consumption by female sex workers were perceived as a threat to this slum community lying on the urban margins, resulting in their expulsion. The article integrates theories of urban assemblage and queer temporality to understand how women sex workers resisted such expulsions. These theories converge on the notion of excess/abundance. Abundance of relationships, of political alliances and strategies, of consumption practices—exceeding heteronormative ideals—was deployed by women sex workers to resist their erasure and confinement into any single identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the neonatal mortality for newborn of women who delivered by caesarean section or vaginally using a prospective cohort. Methods: A total of 6,989 live births registered from 2016 to 2018, were followed for neonatal survival from the selected slums of Dhaka (North and South) and Gazipur city corporations, where icddr,b maintained the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). Neonatal mortality was compared by maternal and newborn characteristics and mode of delivery using z-test. Logistic regression model performed for neonatal mortality by mode of delivery controlling selected covariates and reported adjusted odd ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Out of 6,989 live births registered, 27.7% were caesarean and the rest were vaginal delivery; of these births, 265 neonatal deaths occurred during the follow-up. The neonatal mortality rate was 2.7 times higher (46 vs. 17 per 1,000 births) for vaginal than caesarean delivered. Until 3rd day of life, the mortality rate was very high for both vaginal and caesarean delivered newborn; however, the rate was 24.8 for vaginal and 6.3 per 1,000 live births for caesarean delivered on the 1st day of life. After adjusting the covariates, the odds of neonatal mortality were higher for vaginal than caesarean delivered (aOR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.82, 3.85). Additionally, the odds were higher for adolescent than elderly adult mother (aOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.48), for multiple than singleton birth (aOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 2.82, 10.33), for very/moderate (aOR: 5.13; 95% CI: 3.68, 7.15), and late preterm birth (aOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.08) than term birth; while the odds were lower for girl than boy (aOR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.96), and for 5th wealth quintile than 1st quintile (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.91). Conclusion: Our study found that caesarean delivered babies had significantly lower neonatal mortality than vaginal delivered. Therefore, a comprehensive delivery and postnatal care for vaginal births needed a special attention for the slum mothers to ensure the reduction of neonatal mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Unsafe abortions account for about 5% maternal deaths in India. A very small proportion of induced abortions takes place at registered facilities, and many women prefer taking abortion pills as a method of contraception. The current study was planned to explore the factors related to use of abortion pills and knowledge about various contraceptives among slum-dwelling women. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban slum area catered by a public health dispensary for 2 months among 22 females. Data collection was performed using a semistructured interview schedule for quantitative data, and focused group discussion (FGD) was performed for qualitative data collection. Thematic data analysis was performed for FGD. Themes pertaining to knowledge, ease of use, and source and side effects of abortion pills, knowledge, use, and fears/myths for modern contraceptive methods were identified. Results: A total of 35 unwanted pregnancies were reported by 22 women study participants, out of which only three were continued. Most study participants came to know about abortion pills from their neighborhood friends or maternal relatives such as sisters, and 90% of them preferred either chemists or local private practitioners for getting abortion pills. Fears and myths for modern contraceptive methods, their non-regular supply, and easy availability of abortion pills were the main reason for their use. Conclusion: The study highlights women's perspective of using abortion pills over modern contraceptive methods as a method to limit their family size or for spacing and highlights the lack of family planning counseling. Such a situation calls for enhanced counseling services for modern contraceptive methods and health promotion programs to alleviate fears about contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The MCP card is used as a tool for pregnant women, young mothers and family members to learn about various types of services which they should assess and utilize. The study was undertaken to see the awareness about MCP card and its components among beneficiaries in urban slum area. Methodology: This is a cross‑sectional observational study done in urban slum immunization OPD with a sample size of 226. Convenient sampling method was used to select the samples. Mothers consenting and willing to participate in the study were enrolled. Results: Observed that the MCP card was issued to majority participants at the time of baby immunization (44.15%), followed by at time of delivery (31.4%) and least number received it at the time of pregnancy registration (24.34%). It is also observed that only 53.54%(121) women had read the card while the remaining didn’t. Majority thought the primary use of MCP card was vaccination record (91.5%), followed by information tool (52.%). It is observed that knowledge regarding pregnancy care and its related complications leads to better utilization of ANC services. Conclusion: As observed in the present study a sizeable proportion of populations doesn’t even read the card, and among those who read it the level of knowledge isn’t satisfactory, many use the card as a vaccination record but still the awareness about various vaccines among the beneficiaries remains low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. It is particularly prevalent in tropical countries and has major consequences for human and animal health. In Benin, the disease's epidemiology remains poorly understood, especially in livestock, for which data are lacking. Objectives: To characterise Leptospira seroprevalence and locally circulating serogroups in livestock from Cotonou and to estimate the prevalence of Leptospira renal carriage in cattle. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study in February 2020 during which livestock were sampled at an abattoir and in an impoverished city district. We analysed blood samples from 279 livestock animals (i.e. cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) using the microscopic agglutination test. Additionally, samples of renal tissue from 100 cattle underwent 16s rRNA (rrs) real‐time PCR analysis. Results: For the 131 cattle, 85 sheep, and 50 goats tested, seroprevalence was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] [12%, 26%]), 9% (95% CI [4%, 17%] and 2% (95% CI [0%, 9%]), respectively, and most of the seropositive animals were associated with 1:100 titres. All 13 pigs were seronegative. Leptospira DNA was found in the renal tissue of 10% (95% CI [5%, 18%]) of the cattle tested (n = 100). Leptospira borgpetersenii was the main species present (n = 7), but Leptospira interrogans (n = 2) and Leptospira kirschneri (n = 1) were also detected. Various serogroups (Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Australis and Autumnalis) were detected using microscopic agglutination test without a clear predominance of any of them. Conclusions: These results suggest that abattoir workers and people living in close contact with livestock in poor urban areas are exposed to the risk of Leptospira infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractVulnerable households often tend to decrease their human capital expenditures, like education and training, to maintain food and non-food (clothing and housing) expenditures when any income shock occurs. Financial inclusion acts as a safeguard to maintain the stability of human capital investments in households because it provides an opportunity to save additional resources to invest for productive purposes. This study examines the impact of financial inclusion on the expenditure pattern of slum households in Bangladesh using propensity score matching. Four outcomes—food, non-food, educational, and health expenditure—are considered in this study. A heterogeneous analysis and inverse probability weighted regression adjustment estimation were conducted as robustness checks. Our results demonstrate that financial inclusion has only a significant positive impact on slum households’ educational expenditures, while financial inclusion has no impact on food, non-food, or health expenditures.

This article analyses informal built landscapes in nine fast-growing global cities across diverse geo-political regions using historical maps, aerial photographs, and field visits. This empirical study investigates the urban form of informal built landscapes, identifying 10 main patterns of urban form in settlements created in the 1970–2020 period. This period was characterized by rapid spatial expansion of informal settlements. These trends raise the question of whether there were common characteristics of informal land occupation, how public sector interventions have changed informal settlements, and whether certain built landscapes were more prominent globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urban population growth, the urbanization of poverty, and the proliferation of slums are being driven to a great extent by this dynamic form of globalization. Consequently, the multifaceted effects of globalization on the poor and low-income populations in the cities need to be better understood in this context, both at the individual level and within the community. Therefore, the present study was conducted to highlight the various determinants affecting the lives and enhancing the vulnerability of the dwellers of four slum settlements present in various areas of Jammu City, India. Emphasis was made to integrate biological, physical, social, and spatial facets of vulnerability to understand the complex dynamics of urban areas in developing countries. A descriptive survey design was used for questions concerning the social and environmental aspects. Social aspects including age, sex, education, religion, caste, profession, and family income that correspond to social stratification acted as baseline information, while both indoor and outdoor environments such as housing conditions, sanitation, personal habits, solid waste disposal, disaster proneness, and air and water pollution problems were taken into consideration to assess the environmental aspect. Results indicated that the slum settlement has a migratory population with permanent or temporary settlements. The status of education and skill level is poor which results in poor economic development and social well-being of the dwellers in slums. The study also identified vulnerability of the population on social and environmental front which could result into severe health issues. The study concluded and recommended policy planning specified for slums for uplifting such unprivileged populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kenyans have been highly affected by aflatoxicosis for a long time because of excessive exposure to high aflatoxin containing maize-based products. Maize has been the staple food in Kenya which is more highly consumed than any other cereal product. Many countries with strict aflatoxin threshold application, have consumers who still consume maize-based products, which has not gone through testing. The more remote and lower income areas are more affected by untested maize, ending up exposing themselves to Hepatocellular carcinoma which is a health hazard. The study was designed to determine the exposure of aflatoxin in Kiandutu slum which is a marginalized area in Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya. Ninety seven households were used in the study where number of maize-based products obtained from each household was sampled. Quantitative analysis was used to determine the aflatoxin levels by use of ELISA method. Questionnaires were used to collect the consumption data and sampling of maize- based products was done purposively. Aflatoxins were found in 30.93% of maize flour at between 0 to 34.19 µg /kg, 29.33% of composite flour at between 0 to 30.06 µg /kg, 18.67% of maize grain at between 0 and 20.92 µg /kg and 6.97% of Muthokoi at between 0 to 7.14 µg /kg. Across all sampled households, daily consumption of maize-based products in kilograms per body weight was found to be highest in maize flour, followed by whole maize grains, composite flour and muthokoi in that order. Monte Carlo risk simulation was used to generate the quantitative exposure data. Daily maize flour consumption was higher than other maize-based products with a mean of 0.0038 kg/kg bw/day. It also had the highest daily aflatoxin exposure at a mean of 0.0301 µg/kg/bw/day. The percentage level of the health risk was found to be highest through maize flour consumption at 68.65. Results showed that the frequency of consumption of maize-based products is an important contributor to dietary exposure risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations (U.N.) has declared the present decade a "decade of action" to accelerate the phase of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) endorsed in 2015. These 17 goals are intended to protect the earth's environment, eradicate poverty and inequality, and guarantee that everyone lives in peace, harmony, and prosperity. Target 11.1 for safe and affordable housing from SDG 11: Sustainable cities and community is a crucial target for most developing nations. This target addresses the slums and informal settlements, which indicate inequalities in the urbanized city. The proportion of the population living in slum dwellings and informal settlements was the indicator to measure the achievement level of the target. The study area to assess the target is Tirunelveli City municipal corporation from southern India. The field survey was conducted in all 55 wards to locate and count the population of slums and informal settlements and to map the spatial variation of target scores among the wards. The spatial assessment was performed by comparing the attributes of population density and land use classes (water, built area, and bare land) with the achievement score of target 11.1 for each ward. With an overall score of 90.08, this city has no significant relation with population density (R2 = 0.07) and relevant land use classes (R2 = 0.05) at the ward level. The spatial tool, weighted mean centre, has concluded that slum settlements appeared randomly and dispersed throughout Tirunelveli without any pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) causes 15.5 % of all fatalities worldwide and has increased to epidemic proportions. There is dearth of data pertaining to CAD especially among slum inhabitants in India. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of CAD and its’ socio-demographic and behavioral correlates among slum population of Bhubaneswar. Methods: In a community-based cross-sectional study, we selected 625 adults as study participants using a stratified multistage cluster sampling method and gathered relevant information using a structured interview schedule. Standard protocols were followed while measuring anthropometry, blood pressure, electrocardiograms, fasting blood sugar levels, and serum lipid levels. Results: The overall prevalence of definite CAD and probable CAD was 5.1 % and 7.5 % respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for other variables, currently smoking tobacco (aOR: 3.45; CI: 1.68–7.12), moderate intensity activity (aOR: 3.19; 95 % CI: 1.45–6.79), presence of hypertension (aOR: 1.99; 95 % CI: 1.10–3.59), presence of diabetes (aOR: 2.29; 95 % CI: 1.22–4.33), and body mass index ≥25 (aOR: 2.27; 95 % CI: 1.24–4.15) were significantly associated with coronary artery disease among slum population. Individuals with CAD had significantly higher serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein levels and lower high density lipoprotein levels than the control group. Conclusion: The prevalence of any CAD in slum areas of Bhubaneswar was high, as were the majority of the associated factors for CAD. Targeted interventions both at individual and community level are needed to address the risk factors of CAD thereby reducing the burden of CAD in this population.

Abstract Background Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. It is particularly prevalent in tropical countries and has major consequences for human and animal health. In Benin, the disease's epidemiology remains poorly understood, especially in livestock, for which data are lacking. Objectives To characterise Leptospira seroprevalence and locally circulating serogroups in livestock from Cotonou and to estimate the prevalence of Leptospira renal carriage in cattle. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study in February 2020 during which livestock were sampled at an abattoir and in an impoverished city district. We analysed blood samples from 279 livestock animals (i.e. cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) using the microscopic agglutination test. Additionally, samples of renal tissue from 100 cattle underwent 16s rRNA (rrs) real‐time PCR analysis. Results For the 131 cattle, 85 sheep, and 50 goats tested, seroprevalence was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] [12%, 26%]), 9% (95% CI [4%, 17%] and 2% (95% CI [0%, 9%]), respectively, and most of the seropositive animals were associated with 1:100 titres. All 13 pigs were seronegative. Leptospira DNA was found in the renal tissue of 10% (95% CI [5%, 18%]) of the cattle tested (n = 100). Leptospira borgpetersenii was the main species present (n = 7), but Leptospira interrogans (n = 2) and Leptospira kirschneri (n = 1) were also detected. Various serogroups (Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Australis and Autumnalis) were detected using microscopic agglutination test without a clear predominance of any of them. Conclusions These results suggest that abattoir workers and people living in close contact with livestock in poor urban areas are exposed to the risk of Leptospira infection.

Regular violence pervades the slums in Port Harcourt, a metropolitan city where people inhabit for the purpose of work, among other reasons. The curiosity to understand the relationship of work with this violence is felt by the researchers who, from the review of relevant literature, observed that intellectual response to the issue dealt with political violence and effects on social development. The researchers therefore observed an existing gap in knowledge of the relationship between urban slum violence and work in the slum areas of Port Harcourt. Four research hypotheses were posed to guide the study. The study adopted the social disorganization theory in the explanation of the variables of the study. Simple random sampling method was adopted in the selection of the respondents of the instruments of the study, and some slums in the city were selected randomly. The study adopted cross-sectional research design and generated data through survey. The data for the study was generated through the administration of structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion. Sample size of 400 was determined by the Taro Yamane statistics. We analyzed data of the study using descriptive statistics. Thus, chi-square statistics was utilized in testing the hypotheses of the study. The qualitative data were organized into conceptual themes and categories. The study concluded that urban slum violence hinders school activities, business activities, fishing activities and employment opportunities for people in the slum areas of Port Harcourt. Thus, the study established that urban slum violence has a negative impact on work in the slum areas of Port Harcourt. Hence, policy recommendations were made.

Abstract Introduction Though social networks which are deemed vehicles of community development exist in slum areas, underdevelopment still persists in these areas. We explored the nature and role of social networks in facilitating community development in the slums of Kampala through a sanitation lens. Methods Qualitative Social Network Analysis (SNA) was done to understand the nature of slum social networks primarily through the analysis of sanitation behavior. Data were collected through six Focus Group Discussions (FGD), six In-depth Interviews (IDIs), and 18 Key Informant Interviews (KII) with Government, civil society and private stakeholders. We used both inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged in our analysis; i); Unsupportive environments, uncooperative neighbours and uncertainty of tenure: participants reported slums as unsupportive of community development due to a shortage of space, poverty and unplanned services. Tenants perceived landlords as exploitative and predatory and wished the tables are turned. This notion of cyclic exploitation did not encourage collective action for community good. Short-term economic survival trumped long-term community interests ii) Patronage and poor service delivery: varying degrees of patronage led to multiple forms of illegalities and violations such as tax evasion. Due to vested interests and corruption among public officials, the slum population was lethargic. iii) Intersecting realities of poverty and unemployment: slum dwellers lived on the margins daily. Hence, poor living conditions were a secondary concern. iv) Social relations for personal development: Slum social networks were driven by individual interests rather than community good. Slum dwellers prioritized connections with people of common socio-economic interests. As such social networks were instrumental only if they ‘added value’. Conclusion Social networks in slums are only concerned about survival needs. Slums require responses that address the complexity of slum formation and broader livelihood challenges, as well as re-assessing the meaning of community. We posit that more needs to be done in understanding the meaning and workings of a sociology beyond physical societies. Poverty is a modifier of social systems and processes and should be a concern for all stakeholders involved in slum development.

Introduction: Though social networks which are deemed vehicles of community development exist in slum areas, underdevelopment still persists in these areas. We explored the nature and role of social networks in facilitating community development in the slums of Kampala through a sanitation lens. Methods: Qualitative Social Network Analysis (SNA) was done to understand the nature of slum social networks primarily through the analysis of sanitation behavior. Data were collected through six Focus Group Discussions (FGD), six In-depth Interviews (IDIs), and 18 Key Informant Interviews (KII) with Government, civil society and private stakeholders. We used both inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged in our analysis; i); Unsupportive environments, uncooperative neighbours and uncertainty of tenure: participants reported slums as unsupportive of community development due to a shortage of space, poverty and unplanned services. Tenants perceived landlords as exploitative and predatory and wished the tables are turned. This notion of cyclic exploitation did not encourage collective action for community good. Short-term economic survival trumped long-term community interests ii) Patronage and poor service delivery: varying degrees of patronage led to multiple forms of illegalities and violations such as tax evasion. Due to vested interests and corruption among public officials, the slum population was lethargic. iii) Intersecting realities of poverty and unemployment: slum dwellers lived on the margins daily. Hence, poor living conditions were a secondary concern. iv) Social relations for personal development: Slum social networks were driven by individual interests rather than community good. Slum dwellers prioritized connections with people of common socio-economic interests. As such social networks were instrumental only if they 'added value'. Conclusion: Social networks in slums are only concerned about survival needs. Slums require responses that address the complexity of slum formation and broader livelihood challenges, as well as re-assessing the meaning of community. We posit that more needs to be done in understanding the meaning and workings of a sociology beyond physical societies. Poverty is a modifier of social systems and processes and should be a concern for all stakeholders involved in slum development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes the findings of an epidemiological study conducted in a slum in Amritsar city, which assessed the water supply and sanitation services in the area. The study revealed that the slums had inadequate water supply and sanitation services, with a lack of coordination between the health department and the water and sanitation department. The article emphasizes the need for government programs to prioritize improving these services in urban slums, as safe water supply and sanitation are crucial for promoting good health among slum dwellers. The article was published in the National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology, which covers topics related to physiology, pharmacy, and pharmacology, making it a valuable resource for researchers in these fields. [Extracted from the article]

Slums are closely associated with riverbanks. The same situation can be found in one of the urban regions in Indonesia, that is, Palembang City. This research was intended to spatially analyze slum areas along the edge of the river traversing the city using the Anselin Local Moran's I statistic. In the quantitative method used, samples of slum houses were taken by area-proportional random sampling, and data on their locations were collected with a GPS and then spatially analyzed using the Anselin Local Moran's I. Results showed families living on flood-prone riverbanks in two districts, non-flood-prone banks in 15 districts, and flood-prone areas outside the banks in one district. Most slum areas are located in one district, Kertapati. Slums with the highest number of houses, i.e., more than 1000, are spread across Jakabaring, Kertapati, Seberang Ulu II, Plaju, and Gandus, and the most occupied slums with more than 1000 families are found in seven districts: Seberang Ulu I, Ilir Timur I, Kertapati, Ilir Timur III, Seberang Ulu II, Plaju, and Gandus. The Anselin Local Moran's I analysis found high-low (HL) outliers in six districts and low-low (LL) clusters of slums in five districts. The Local Moran's I index values were positive for neighboring population densities and negative for farther-spaced population densities. In addition, this analysis produced z-scores and p-values that suggested the riverbank slums in Palembang formed a clustered and random pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appropriate health-seeking behaviour could help in reducing child mortality and morbidity. Information on social factors of mortality and health-seeking behaviours of caregivers of under-5 children from slums of Indian cities is minimal in literature. Objectives: We estimated the prevalence of health-seeking behaviour for morbidity ofunder-5 children and its determinants in urban slums in Chennai city, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed-method design among primary caregivers of under-5 children living in Chennai slums, India. Two-stage cluster sampling was adopted to select 40 slums. A total of 233 primary caregivers were interviewed. Nine focus group discussions and 18 in-depth interviews were conducted among the primary caregivers. Prevalence of inappropriate health-seeking behaviour was estimated, and determinants were identified by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Thematic analysis was done on qualitative data. Results: We interviewed 233 primary caregivers. The weighted prevalence of inappropriate health-seeking behaviour for under-five children in urban slums of Chennai was 53.9% (95% CI: 46.9 – 60.8). Primary caregivers educated above secondary school were more likely (AOR of 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.1) to follow inappropriate health-seeking behaviour compared to those educated below. Similarly, caregivers who were unaware of young child feeding practices (AOR of 3.6, 95% CI: 1.9–6.5) and early care-seeking and health practices (AOR of 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3–4.9) were more likely to engage in inappropriate health-seeking behaviour compared to those who were aware and we found that illness symptoms influenced health-seeking behaviour and that early disease detection might prevent severe illness. Conclusion: Health-seeking behaviour was found to be suboptimal among under-5 children in Chennai's urban slums. We suggest policymakers improve interventions on early care-seeking of common childhood illnesses in the urban health programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deprived settlements, usually referred to as slums, are often located in hazardous areas. However, there have been very few studies to examine this notion. In this study, we leverage the advancements in open geospatial data, earth observation (EO), and machine learning to create a multi-hazard susceptibility index and a transferrable disaster risk approach to be adapted in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) cities, with low-cost methods. Specifically, we identify multi-hazards in Nairobi's selected case study area and construct a susceptibility index. Then, we test the predictability of deprived settlements using the multi-hazard susceptibility index in comparison with EO texture-based methods. Lastly, we survey 100 households in two deprived settlements (typical and atypical slums) in Nairobi and use the survey outcomes to validate the multi-hazard susceptibility index. To test the assumption that deprived areas are dominantly located in areas with higher susceptibility to multiple hazards, we contrast morphologically identified deprived settlements with non-deprived settlements. We find that deprived settlements are generally more exposed to hazards. However, there are variations between central and peripheral settlements. In testing the predictability of deprivation using multi-hazards, the multi-hazard-based model performs better for deprived settlements than for other classes. In contrast, the texture-based model is better at classifying all types of morphological settlements. Lastly, by contrasting the survey outcomes to the household interviews, we conclude that proxies used for the multi-hazard susceptibility index adequately capture the hazards. However, more localized proxies can be used to improve the index performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The development and intensification of marginalization and informal settlement around cities has been influenced by unequal political-economic relations at the global level, the weakness of national plans at the middle level, and urban planning at the micro level and in this regard, the city of Tabriz, like other big cities of Iran, has attracted a huge number of people from rural areas and sparsely populated cities.Data and Method: The current research, from the point of view of the nature of the method, is descriptive-analytical. The statistical population of the research is the residents of the marginal areas of Tabriz metropolis (Ghorbani, Silab, Heydarabad, Maralan, Sari-Zami, Akhme-Qiya, Akahre Taleghani, parts of Laleh, Ghazandaghi and Patogh neighborhoods). According to the census of Iran Statistics Center in 2015, it had a population of 309,581 people, and using Cochran's formula, 384 people were selected as the research sample, and people who had sufficient information in this field were selected as the sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics (sample t-test, Kendall, factor analysis and structural equation technique) were used to analyze data and information.Results: The results show that the most important effective factors in intensifying and expanding marginalization in Tabriz metropolis are; 1) management and planning, policymaking and technology, 2) economic attractions, population growth and environmental hazards, 3) income inequality and access to jobs and facilities, 4) economic repulsions, place of origin and disputes ethnic, 5) socio-cultural repulsions of the previous residence, 6) the growth of the village population and the desire to migrate, and 7) finding a job and housing. Among them, the first and second factors are of special importance with the special value of 5.60 and 5.45, respectively. Among these, the first factors (management and planning, policymaking and technology) and the second (economic attractions, population growth and environmental hazards) with a special value of 5.60 and 5.45, respectively. are of special importance and the seventh factor is the least important with a special value of 1.51.Conclusion: The results of the present research show the effect of various factors on the development and intensification of slum, in this regard, quantitative and qualitative factors should be considered in the intensification and expansion of marginalization in metropolitan cities.

Context and background Typical of an urban character, constant population growth in Enugu necessitated the need to provide adequate housing to the teeming population. In addition to the housing provision, a decent mass housing project was developed through proper spatial planning. In addition, the Enugu population, which is predominantly low-income, requires that such decent housing be made affordable. Although a profit-oriented free market may not guarantee cheap and decent housing, the government has done well by developing various affordable housing projects to ensure that the low-income population of Enugu has both decent and affordable homes. Nevertheless, over time, some of these houses seem to be deteriorating, and most of them are believed to have turned into slums. Goal and Objectives: To examine the housing condition To sample the opinions of the occupants of these housing schemes regarding the causes of slum emergence. Methodology: A structured survey was conducted using questionnaires distributed to selected households as the sample population of households occupying housing estates in the study area. Results: The collected data suggest that the housing conditions of various estates in government housing schemes in Enugu are turning into slums.

Introduction: Unsafe abortions account for about 5% maternal deaths in India. A very small proportion of induced abortions takes place at registered facilities, and many women prefer taking abortion pills as a method of contraception. The current study was planned to explore the factors related to use of abortion pills and knowledge about various contraceptives among slum-dwelling women. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban slum area catered by a public health dispensary for 2 months among 22 females. Data collection was performed using a semistructured interview schedule for quantitative data, and focused group discussion (FGD) was performed for qualitative data collection. Thematic data analysis was performed for FGD. Themes pertaining to knowledge, ease of use, and source and side effects of abortion pills, knowledge, use, and fears/myths for modern contraceptive methods were identified. Results: A total of 35 unwanted pregnancies were reported by 22 women study participants, out of which only three were continued. Most study participants came to know about abortion pills from their neighborhood friends or maternal relatives such as sisters, and 90% of them preferred either chemists or local private practitioners for getting abortion pills. Fears and myths for modern contraceptive methods, their non-regular supply, and easy availability of abortion pills were the main reason for their use. Conclusion: The study highlights women’s perspective of using abortion pills over modern contraceptive methods as a method to limit their family size or for spacing and highlights the lack of family planning counseling. Such a situation calls for enhanced counseling services for modern contraceptive methods and health promotion programs to alleviate fears about contraceptive methods.

The slum is the shadow of urbanization, representing a lack of essential services, substandard housing, a congested, unhygienic environment, and poverty. Slum morphology depicts the structural arrangement of a slum area, including the road network, building arrangement, cultural artefacts, etc. Slums in megacities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, etc, have developed naturally or as a result of urbanization. However, apart from megacities, only some areas or few towns, particularly those serving as headquarters of the districts, have a considerable impact on their hinterlands. Purulia town, as the district headquarters, acts as a pull factor, which stimulates the growth of the slum area of its hinterland. Hence, Purulia was selected as a study area. The focus of this study is the morphological dynamicity of slums in Purulia, therefore the temporal analysis is necessary. Additionally, it aims to apprehend the trend and pattern of slum expansion over time in Purulia municipality. This study uses satellite images and secondary data sources (DPR for BLC under Housing for All in slums, Purulia Municipality, 2015–2016) to analyze the dynamicity of slum morphology. Structural appurtenance of the area was measured using spatial variables including, the number of buildings, and the size of the building, building orientation, building density, and heterogeneity. This spatiotemporal analysis depicts inter and intra-slum variation and detects distinct but predominantly high morphological transformation throughout the eight slums. A compact building structure with a particular heterogeneous pattern is shown in many slums. However, some slums remain almost static, experiencing minimal but haphazard morphological transformation. Street patterns, including lane-to-lane, road-to-lane, house-to-house connections, water bodies' presence, and urban planning regulations such as zoning restrictions on high-rise construction etc., influence the slum growth and transform the morphological dynamicity. Apart from structural morphology, it also reflects solid social bonding and cohesion among slum communities. Overall, this research emphasizes the intricate interplay of factors driving morphological dynamicity within the slum area, encompassing socio-economic conditions, population dynamics, neighborhood characteristics, and governmental policies. It emphasizes the need for extensive policy planning for slum upgrading and creating strategies for dwellers to secure land ownership. It also implements a systematic approach to constant monitoring of poor slum areas to capture morphological dynamicity using very high-resolution Earth observation data. This may provide a better understanding of morphological transformations over time and guide policy-making decisions.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The article explores migrant children’s lives and emerging solidarities in the selected neighbourhood (a squatter-slum) during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown. Children’s lives within the family, as community member and mutual relationship in the moments of risk and resilience are explored. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: Belonging to marginalised group, for children and their families, the COVID-19 lockdown period added multiple layers of disadvantage. Children’s lives are explored with ethnographic fieldwork (as part of the broader study initiated in 2017) and during the lockdown period (early 2020) with telephonic interviews. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The article establishes migrant children’s contribution who despite being doubly disadvantaged in an adult centric society, actively shape and co-build the social spaces. Drawing upon Walby’s work on crisis; the New Sociology of Childhood, children are reinstated as collaborators, presenting the adaptation strategies of children to sustain and cope during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESEARCH RESULTS: Risk and resilience have become normalised part of the lived reality of migrant children’s lives. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic the risks got elevated and with it the adaptive coping strategies at the level of family and neighbourhood emerged that helped in mitigating the risks to some extent. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: The article demonstrates migrant children as collaborators and recommends (i) considering children’s voices and participation while framing policies, programmes, and schemes, and (ii) to view children as expert of their lives, active members, reiterating recognition of their role at various fronts.

Background: Food insecurity is the situation that exists when all people, at all times, didn’t have secure access to enough amounts of safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. However, the nutritional status of women can be determined by family care and household food security as they are keepers of family health. So, this study was conducted to assess the effect of food insecurity on the nutritional status of reproductive-age women and its determinants in squatter settlement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the squatter settlement of Pokhara Metropolitan. A multistage sampling procedure was used to get the required sample size i.e., 426. Reproductive age group women (15-49 years) were selected because of their central role in food preparation and distribution. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used to collect information based on a 30-day recall period. Results: Nearly two-thirds (65%) of household food insecurity was found in the squatter settlement of Pokhara Metropolitan. While assessing the nutritional status of reproductive-age women it was found that 38.1% were overweight and 13.6% were underweight women. Factors such as age, dependent members in a family, educational status, occupational status, age during the marriage, age during the first pregnancy, parity, the number of children, and household food insecurity were associated with the BMI of respondents at a 95% confidence level. We found a strong direct effect on respondent’s education (OR=2.036, C.I: 1.321-3.136), occupation (OR=2.014, C.I: 1.295-3.132), and household food insecurity (OR=1.629, C.I: 1.088-2.439). Conclusion: The study highlights a need for nutrition and food security programs. Improving the educational status of women will help them to get financially independent which can improve household food security and maintain the healthy weight of women in slums.

AbstractChild labour remains widespread in the urban slums of Bangladesh. Empirical studies indicate that various local-level factors drive poor families and children to engage in child labour. However, the role of structural factors and environmental realities is underrepresented in the current scholarship. This investigation examined the role of these factors in normalizing child labour in the slum communities of Dhaka. The researcher adapted a socio-ecological model to develop a conceptual framework for collecting qualitative data from the slum communities of two recently urbanized areas of the city: Hazaribagh and Matuail. A five-month fieldwork project was carried out to conduct 40 semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions with parents and community members. The data analysis resulted in the following findings. A lack of access to schooling pushed many children into labour. The opportunities for children’s employment in the informal sector remained abundant, and the absence of documents complicated law enforcement. Due to inconsistent adult income, many families are involved in child labour to increase their household income. Local employers chose children over adults for certain occupations due to their low wages and easy-to-control nature. Natural disasters, climate change, and family difficulties drove a large number of families to these slums, and informal employment opportunities for both adults and children drew them there. The shortage of playgrounds and specialized schooling shaped children’s tendency to work more. All together, child labour has become a cultural reality. Policies and interventions aiming to reduce child labour must influence these structural factors and provide support to families and children.

ABSTRACTMismanaged domestic waste threatens ecosystem health, with substantial increases predicted from developing country cities if current consumption and waste service collection trends continue. Google Street View (GSV) imagery has been used to quantify urban environmental waste in high-income countries. GSV availability is increasing elsewhere, but its coverage is variable. This study aims to evaluate bias in spatiotemporal GSV coverage relative to environmental waste in two case study cities. An environmental survey measured environmental waste in Greater Accra, Ghana and Kisumu, Kenya via 95 and 81 transects, respectively. Six summary metrics of environmental waste were calculated and compared for transects with full, partial, and no GSV coverage via multi-level regression. Multi-level regression indicated no significant differences in scattered waste density for transects with versus without GSV coverage. However, both cities had significantly lower waste burning densities along transects with GSV coverage (4.3 versus 24.2 burning sites/Ha in Kisumu; 1.7 versus 13.6 sites/Ha for Greater Accra) compared to those without Street View density of large waste piles was significantly lower in Kisumu transects with Street View coverage (1.4 versus 11.5 sites/Ha). Because of partial imagery coverage, GSV imagery analysis is likely to under-estimate waste indicators such as waste burning density. Future studies using GSV to quantify waste indicators in African cities should therefore correct for coverage bias.

In Nigeria, adolescents in urban slums are increasingly at risk of adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. However, little is known about how individual factors predict parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues in a resource-poor urban setting in Ibadan. Thus, this study investigated individual factors associated with parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues in urban slums of Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. This study is part of a larger project that explores the socio-ecological factors influencing parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues in selected slums in Ibadan, Nigeria. Within this broader framework, this paper relies on the quantitative data obtained in 10 selected slums. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire [scripted on open data kits (ODK)] was utilized to collect data from a sample of 796 parent-adolescent dyads. Six SRH topics were investigated to describe the issues discussed. Analytical techniques utilized include; frequency counts, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression. Parent-adolescent communication regarding SRH issues is not uncommon in urban slums of Ibadan but characterized by indirect communication, threat and warning. Parents and adolescents' age, gender, marital/relationship status, educational attainments and religion played influential role in parent-adolescent communication regarding SRH issues. These factors were identified to be significantly associated with the pattern of parent-adolescent discussion of SRH issues. Age-specific SRH education should be available to adolescents and parents need to be educated on appropriate SRH information and the best way to engage their adolescents on SRH issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]