School of Public Health

Socioeconomic status and partaking in air pollution monitoring are associated with cookstove usage across three peri-urban communities in sub-Saharan Africa

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Socioeconomic status and partaking in air pollution monitoring are associated with cookstove usage across three peri-urban communities in sub-Saharan Africa Lorenzetti, Federico; Wilson, Daniel; Menya, Diana; Mangeni, Judith While transitioning from polluting cooking fuels (e.g. wood, charcoal) to cleaner fuels, like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), can lead to time savings, the amount of time saved is uncertain due to minimal stove use monitoring (SUM) data. Approximately three months (mean:82 days (SD:41)) of SUM data from Geocene temperature sensors was collected from 186 households in Mbalmayo, Cameroon; Obuasi, Ghana and Eldoret, Kenya. Households exclusively using LPG (mean:1 h 22 min/day) cooked for two hours/day less than those stacking LPG and polluting fuels (3 h 19 min/day), and almost three hours/day less than those exclusively using polluting fuels (4 h 10 min/day). Financially insecure households exclusively using polluting fuels cooked for ~ 45 min longer (4 h 29 min) than financially secure households (3 h 45 min). During a 24-hour household air pollution (HAP) monitoring period, average cooking time was 38 min longer (3 h 48 min vs. 3 h 10 min) and households cooked nearly once more per day (3.63 events) than during the remaining SUM period (2.72 events). Longer cooking times among financially insecure polluting fuel users suggests that LPG access may disproportionately benefit poorer households via greater time savings. Households may cook for longer-than-normal when monitored for HAP.

Public health facility vulnerabilities, preparedness, and health outcomes for Plasmodium falciparum and dengue virus-infected children under 5 years with acute febrile illnesses in Western Kenya

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Public health facility vulnerabilities, preparedness, and health outcomes for Plasmodium falciparum and dengue virus-infected children under 5 years with acute febrile illnesses in Western Kenya Ogony, Jack; Mangeni, Judith; Menya, Diana; Ayodo, George Introduction Climate change and infectious health risks are threatening healthcare systems, cascading into devastating consequences globally. This crisis is altering the footprints of many vector-borne disease control programs. Sub-Saharan countries face complex challenges as patterns of vector-borne diseases transform, causing more than 17% of the global mortality. Climate change-related disasters are increasing worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the most prone region. Although healthcare facilities should be on the front line in protecting lives, they are often under pressure and are vulnerable to extreme weather events. Public healthcare preparedness and the associated health outcomes are less frequently considered. Methodology This was a three-month follow-up prospective cohort study that determined public health facility vulnerability, preparedness, and health outcomes through a questionnaire administered to facilities in charge, guardians of children seeking health services, and those with acute febrile illnesses. Key Informant Interviews were conducted with selected members of the County's Health Management Team. Results A total of 378 participants were successfully followed. A total of 17 (81.0%) facilities were able to diagnose and treat malaria, while 4 (18.0%) were only able to diagnose and treat dengue virus cases. In Bunyala Sub-County, 6 of the 10 facilities were located on or near floodplains or wetlands, while 5 (45.0%) facilities in Kisumu had the same location. The longest hospitalizations (>5 days) were observed at the Kisumu site, while the highest recovery rate [184 (96.8%)] was noted in Bunyala Sub-County compared to 171 (91.0%) in Kisumu. Conclusion Public health facilities are not only vulnerable but also unprepared to contain the rising climate change-driven infectious disease burden. Even though healthcare facilities are fairly able to diagnose and treat malaria, the majority lack the ability to diagnose and treat dengue fever. Longer hospitalization was highest among children diagnosed with dengue fever. There is a need for enhanced arboviral disease surveillance and policies on integrated multisectoral approaches to reduce health system vulnerabilities and increase preparedness.

Socioeconomic status and partaking in air pollution monitoring are associated with cookstove usage across three periurban communities in sub-Saharan Africa

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Socioeconomic status and partaking in air pollution monitoring are associated with cookstove usage across three periurban communities in sub-Saharan Africa Mangeni, Judith While transitioning from polluting cooking fuels (e.g. wood, charcoal) to cleaner fuels, like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), can lead to time savings, the amount of time saved is uncertain due to minimal stove use monitoring (SUM) data. Approximately three months (mean:82 days (SD:41)) of SUM data from Geocene temperature sensors was collected from 186 households in Mbalmayo, Cameroon; Obuasi, Ghana and Eldoret, Kenya. Households exclusively using LPG (mean:1 h 22 min/day) cooked for two hours/day less than those stacking LPG and polluting fuels (3 h 19 min/day), and almost three hours/day less than those exclusively using polluting fuels (4 h 10 min/day). Financially insecure households exclusively using polluting fuels cooked for ~45 min longer (4 h 29 min) than financially secure households (3 h 45 min). During a 24-hour household air pollution (HAP) monitoring period, average cooking time was 38 min longer (3 h 48 min vs. 3 h 10 min) and households cooked nearly once more per day (3.63 events) than during the remaining SUM period (2.72 events). Longer cooking times among financially insecure polluting fuel users suggests that LPG access may disproportionately benefit poorer households via greater time savings. Households may cook for longer-than-normal when monitored for HAP.

Validation of a model for predicting HIV pre- exposure prophylaxis uptake: a study protocol

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Validation of a model for predicting HIV pre- exposure prophylaxis uptake: a study protocol Kileku, Elizabeth Nailantei; Sitienei, Joseph; Shisanya, Morris Senghor; Gitahi, Nyawira Introduction: By 2023, HIV will have claimed 40.4 million lives, posing a significant global public health risk, with youth at the highest risk of new infections. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV transmission by 48.9% when combined with other prevention strategies. Despite increased PrEP programs in sub-Saharan Africa since 2015, uptake remains low due to various barriers. This study aims to validate a model identifying demographic, economic, social, behavioral, and structural factors influencing PrEP use in Turbo Sub- County, where uptake is among the lowest. Methods: The study will employ a descriptive cross-sectional design using both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data from youths aged 15–24 in Turbo Sub-County. Participants will be selected through multistage random sampling based on Wards and villages. Data will be collected via self- administered questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Analysis will include thematic methods for qualitative data and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will be used to validate the relationships predicting PrEP uptake at 95% confidence intervals and a < 0.05. Results: The study is expected to provide insights into factors influencing PrEP uptake among youths in Turbo Sub-County. The validated model will highlight key demographic, economic, and behavioral determinants, offering actionable data for enhancing HIV prevention strategies tailored to this population. Discussion: The discussion will interpret the interplay of factors affecting PrEP uptake and compare findings with regional studies. It will emphasize community- specific barriers and enablers, informing targeted interventions and strategies to improve PrEP accessibility and acceptance.Conclusions: The study aims to provide a validated framework for predicting PrEP uptake, guiding stakeholders in addressing barriers and strengthening interventions. The findings will support optimizing PrEP programs to reduce HIV transmission among at-risk youth.