African Population Geography (Geography/Social/Demography) | 25 June 2002
Urban Slum Environmental Health Dynamics: An Epidemiological Intervention Study in Senegal
S, e, y, n, i, N, d, i, a, y, e, ,, A, l, a, s, s, a, n, e, D, i, o, p
Abstract
Urban slums in Senegal are characterized by high levels of environmental pollution, leading to a prevalence of environmentally-linked diseases such as respiratory infections and gastrointestinal illnesses. A mixed-methods approach including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and geospatial analysis was employed. The study utilised a logistic regression model to assess the impact of interventions on disease prevalence. The intervention led to a reduction in respiratory infections by 15% (95% CI: -20%, -10%) among participants compared to controls, with no significant change observed for gastrointestinal illnesses. Despite the positive trend towards reduced respiratory infections, further research is needed to assess long-term health impacts and broader disease prevalence across different slum areas in Senegal. To enhance intervention efficacy, a multi-sectoral approach involving local government, non-governmental organizations, and community participation should be implemented. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.