Housing-related risk factors for respiratory disease in low cost housing settlements in Johannesburg, South Africa
Date
2008-10-17T09:34:13Z
Authors
Makene, Christina
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Abstract
Rapid migration of people to the urban areas of developing countries resulted in a
shortage of housing and the location of people in poor housing and unhealthy
environments. Studies have shown that people who live in poor housing are at increased
risk of exposure to the determinants of respiratory diseases.
Objective: This study investigated the influence of housing conditions on respiratory
disease in selected low cost housing settlements in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Methodology: Secondary data analysis based on the Health, Environment and
Development (HEAD) cross-sectional study were used to explore housing conditions in
relation to respiratory health.
Results: Black African households comprised (77%) the major population group in the
study. The overall mean number of people per household was five with household size
ranging from 1 to 22 people permanently living in the household. Most of the households
(48%) had an average monthly income of R1001 to R2000. The self reported household
prevalence of asthma was highest among households in Riverlea (21%). Households in
Riverlea had reported higher levels of asthma 33% relative to households in Bertrams.
Hairdressing activities within dwellings increased the risk of asthma (OR: 2.89, 95% CI 1.46-5.73). Tuberculosis was associated with household size (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.79 –
0.99) and smoking (OR 0.4 CI 0.12 - 0.96) in the univariate analysis. However in the
multivariate analysis there was no significant association between tuberculosis with
household size (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80 - 1.05) or smoking (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.12 –
1.00). Conclusion: In this study housing quality was an important determinant of respiratory
health. More intervention strategies need to be employed to improve the living
environment. These include increasing awareness and education to the public and other
sectors, source reduction and more guidelines for healthy housing. Finally, more research
on housing and health is needed to determine the effect of housing on health.
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Keywords
low cost housing, Johannesburg, respiratory diseases, risk factors