Distribution of sources of household air pollution: a cross-sectional study in Cameroon



Esong, Miranda Baame, Goura, Andre Pascal, Mbatchou, Bertrand Hugo Ngahane, Walage, Berenice, Simo, Herman Styve Yomi, Medjou, Romarique Mboumo, Sonkoue, Martial Pianta, Djouda, Cyrielle Douanla, Ngnewa, Rose Suzie Fowoh, Guiagain, Milaine Sandra Teugueu
et al (show 4 more authors) (2021) Distribution of sources of household air pollution: a cross-sectional study in Cameroon. BMC PUBLIC HEALTH, 21 (1). 318-.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Household air pollution (HAP) is a recognised risk factor for many diseases, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular/circulatory disorders, adverse pregnancy outcomes and cataracts. Population exposure to biomass fuels, including wood, varies among countries and from one fuel source to the other. This study aimed to investigate the different sources of HAP in peri-urban and rural communities in Cameroon.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of households from the Dschang Health District (DHD) region. This included 848 homes in which a range of fuels for cooking including biomass (firewood, charcoal, sawdust), kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were used both indoors and outdoors.<h4>Results</h4>Of the study households, 651 (77%) reported exclusive use of firewood and 141 (17%) reported using more than one source of fuel. Exclusive use of firewood was greater in rural communities (94%) than in peri-urban communities (38%). In peri-urban communities, use of multiple fuels including LPG, wood, sawdust and kerosene, was more common (44.75%). A total of 25.03% of households in both peri-urban and rural communities reported using bottled gas (or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. Motivations for choice of fuel included, affordability, availability, rapidity, and cultural factors.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Wood is the main cooking fuel in both peri-urban and rural communities in the Dschang Health District. Supporting households (especially those with limited resources) to adopt LPG equipment for cooking, and use in a more exclusive way is required to help reduce household air pollution.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Indoor air pollution, Household air pollution, LPG, Fuel type, Dschang-Cameroon
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 17 Mar 2021 11:01
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 22:56
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10350-6
Open Access URL: http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10350-6
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3117537