Assessment of health impacts of noise pollution in the Tarkwa Mining Community of Ghana using noise mapping techniques

Objective Communities in the developing countries such as Ghana have little knowledge of effects of noise pollution on human health,which is demonstrated by their attitude towards this menace.This study assessed the health impacts of noise pollution and its spatial distribution in the Tarkwa Mining Community(TMC)of Ghana.Methods To achieve the study objective,questionnaires were administered;as well as collation of health data from major health centers in the study area.Noise levels were measured and noise map produced using geographic information system(GIS)techniques.Overlay maps of some diseases were done using overlay techniques in GIS.The noise exposure and corresponding noise doses for churches,working sites and social centers were also calculated using the respective formulae.Results The noise levels were found to be high above the prescribed Ghana Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)standards,with traffic noise levels ranging from 65.00 dBA to 98 dBA,while that of churches ranged from 73.10 dBA to 107.00 dBA and that of working sites from 74.4 dBA to 115.2 dBA.The calculated noise exposure and corresponding noise dose for churches ranged from 75.1 dBA to 104.6 dBA(i.e.,10%‒8000%),while that for workers’sites were from 75.8 dBA to 115 dBA(i.e.,12%‒90000%).Statistical regression and correlation analyses were done for diseases such as hypertension,ear problems and sleep disturbances.Conclusion The study has therefore revealed that the noise levels in the study area are very high and corresponding health impacts are prominent.Stakeholders and authorities should devise mitigating measures to combat this rising menace.The results revealed a strong positive correlation between noise and corresponding health impacts.Despite the positive correlation there are other causes and effects to the mentioned diseases.

A Cost-Benefit Evaluation of the Air Quality and Health Impacts in Sao Paulo,Brazil

The objective was to assess the impact on health due to the exposure to air pollution derived from the renewal of the urban bus fleet in S?o Paulo. The study analyzed the substitution of the bus fleet through the variation of the concentration of atmospheric pollutants such as PM10 in the municipality of S?o Paulo and its associated health’s benefits values compared to the investments performed in the bus fleet renewal. PM10 average annual reduction due to the bus improvement system resulted on 22.3%. A cost-benefit evaluation considered the renewal investments’ costs compared to the obtained valued health benefits and it resulted in 4.31. Although the result may suggest a not viable investment, it must be observed that air pollution reduction favors health impacts and that this relation could be improved if additional investments on sustainable transportation increase.

Economic Valuation of Health Impact of PM_(10) Pollution in Beijing from 2001 to 2006

In light of the practical need for research to inform policy in Beijing,this study evaluates the economic cost of the impact of PM 10 pollution in Beijing from 2001 to 2006,taking health as the main impact,and mortality as the main outcome.Based on the literature review,this study adopts relatively conservative parameters as the basis for calculating the health impacts.It concludes that nearly 30%of mortality among registered residents above age 30 in Beijing can be attributed to PM 10 pollution,and that the economic cost equals 0.8%-1.2%of the city's GDP over the same period.This is lower than the results of previous studies,but still high enough to warrant a commitment to solve the city's air pollution problem.

A Vietnamese version of the 14-item oral health impact profile (OHIP-14VN)

Aim: To validate a Vietnamese short version (OHIP- 14VN) for use in epidemiological studies. Methods: The original English-language version was translated into Vietnamese, back translated and after some revisions tested for psychometric properties. Subjects (n = 724) were asked to self-administer a questionnaire but could ask for assistance. Convergent validity was tested by investigating associations between OHIP domain and total scores, and dichotomized self-reported satisfaction with 1) the dentition in general, 2) chewing function, and 3) esthetics. Groups validity was evaluated by comparing OHIP scores of subjects having ≤6 molars vs. >6 molars and tooth decay vs. no decay. Test-retest reliability was investigated in a convenience sample (n = 54) and expressed in Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha and average interitem correlation coefficients. Results: Validity: all associations were in the hypothesized directions. Differences in mean OHIP total were statistically sig-nificant for all discriminative variables. OHIP scores completed with assistance were significantly lower than those from self-administered questionnaires and therefore analyzed separately. For both administration formats differences in mean scores were still significant for “satisfaction” but for having ≤6 molars or decay the differences lost significance for most domain and total scores. Reliability: ICCs ranged from 0.54 - 0.74. Internal consistency: Cronbach’s alphas for OHIP total scores were 0.93 (self-administered) and 0.91 (with assistance). Average interitem correlation coefficients ranged from 0.26 - 0.67 (self-administered) and 0.28 - 0.69 (with assistance). Conclusions: This Vietnamese version of the OHIP-14 demonstrated good construct validity and acceptable reliability for OHIP total scores however OHIP-14VN domain scores should be interpreted with caution.

Influence of Exposure Pathways on Tissue Distribution and Health Impact of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives

The oxygen(OPAHs),nitro(NPAHs),hydroxyl(OH-PAHs),and alkylated(APAHs)derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(PAHs)are ubiquitous pollutants in the environment.The concentrations of NPAHs,OPAHs,OH-PAHs,and APAHs are lower than that of PAHs in the environment,but the carcinogenic abilities of the derivatives are usually 10 to 1,000-fold higher than that of parent PAHs.There are three main pathways for the exposure of polycyclic aromatic compounds to humans,including inhalation,direct contact,and ingestion.After exposure by inhalation,they are mainly distributed in the lungs,affecting lung function and causing inflammation,asthma,etc.Due to the digestive system’s strong capacity for metabolism,intake of PAHs and the derivatives is primarily distributed in the digestive system and metabolized there.And it may lead to dysplasia of these organs and even to cancer.The skin is the primary site of direct contact with PAH derivatives.PAH derivatives can enter the bloodstream through all three contact pathways,thereby accumulating in various organs.This study aimed to summarize the influence of exposure pathways on tissue distribution and the health impact of PAH derivatives to provide references for future research and evaluation on public health.

Planetary health risks in urban agriculture

Urban agriculture is gaining recognition for its potential contributions to environmental resilience and climate change adaptation,providing advantages such as urban greening,reduced heat island effects,and decreased air pollution.Moreover,it indirectly supports communities during weather events and natural disasters,ensuring food security and fostering community cohesion.However,concerns about planetary health risks persist in highly urbanized and climate-affected areas.Employing electronic databases such as Web of Science and PubMed and adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,we identified 55 relevant papers to comprehend the planetary health risks associated with urban agriculture,The literature review identified five distinct health risks related to urban agriculture:(1)trace metal risks in urban farms;(2)health risks associated with wastewater irrigation;(3)zoonotic risks;(4)other health risks;and(5)social and economic risks.The study highlights that urban agriculture,while emphasizing environmental benefits,particularly raises concerns about trace metal bioaccumulation in soil and vegetables,posing health risks for populations.Other well studied risks included wastewater irrigation and backyard livestock farming.The main limitations in the available literature were in studying infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance associated with urban agriculture.

Assessing the Impact of Health Insurance on Household Financial Protection in Togo

Context: To facilitate financial access to care for the population, health insurance mechanisms have been established, in particular the National Health Insurance Institute, which covers civil servants and their dependents. In addition, other voluntary and community mechanisms have been developed. After several years of implementation, the level of catastrophic health expenditures among insured individuals shows that there is still a considerable level of financial risk associated with health care. This study aims to assess the impact of health insurance in Togo on insured populations. Methodology: The data used in this study come from the harmonized survey on household living conditions carried out in 2018 by the National Institute of Statistics, Economic and Demographic Studies. The propensity score matching method was used according to the following steps: estimation of propensity scores, verification of the conditional independence hypothesis (balancing property) and estimation of the average treatment effect on treated. Stata V14.2 software was used. Findings: The average effect of health insurance on household financial protection is −0.012 for the nearest neighbor method, −0.013 for the matching radius method, −0.015 for the Kernel and −0.016 for the stratification method. Results showed that health insurance contributes to reducing catastrophic health expenditures, but their effect remains very limited. This could be explained by the level of care package covered and the cost covered. Conclusion: Health insurance contributes to the reduction of catastrophic health expenses for households. However, it is important to widen the range of care covered and the cost covered. In addition, measures to extend this coverage to a larger proportion of the population will make it possible to have a greater impact.

Health impacts of air pollution in China

The health effects of air pollution have attracted considerable attention in China.In this review,the status of air pollution in China is briefly presented.The impacts of air pollution on the health of the respiratory system,the circulatory system,the nervous system,the digestive system,the urinary system,pregnancy and life expectancy are highlighted.Additionally,China’s actions to control air pollution and their effects are briefly introduced.Finally,the challenges and perspectives of the health effects of air pollution are provided.We believe that this review will provide a promising perspective on the health impacts of air pollution in China,and further elicit more attention from governments and researchers worldwide.

Experience and lessons from health impact assessment guiding prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in a copper mine project,northwestern Zambia

Background:To avoid or mitigate potential project-related adverse health effects,the Trident copper project in Kalumbila,northwestern Zambia,commissioned a health impact assessment.HIV was identified a priority health issue based on the local vulnerability to HIV transmission and experience from other mining projects in Africa.Hence,an HIV/AIDS management plan was developed,including community and workplace interventions,with HIV testing and counselling(HTC)being one of the key components.We present trends in HTC data over a 4-year period.Methods:In 13 communities affected by the Trident project,HTC was implemented from 2012 onwards,using rapid diagnostic tests,accompanied by pre-and post-test counselling through trained personnel.In addition,HTC was initiated in the project workforce in 2013,coinciding with the launch of the mine development.HTC uptake and HIV positivity rates were assessed in the study population and linked to demographic factors using regression analysis.Results:In total,11,638 community members and 5564 workers have taken up HTC with an increase over time.The HIV positivity rate in the community was 3.0%in 2012 and 3.4%in 2015,while positivity rate in the workforce was 5.2%in 2013 and 4.3%in 2015.Females showed a significantly higher odds of having a positive test result than males(odds ratio(OR)=1.96,95%confidence interval(CI):1.55-2.50 among women in the community and OR=2.90,95%CI:1.74-4.84 among women in the workforce).HTC users in the 35-49 years age group were most affected by HIV,with an average positivity rate of 6.6%in the community sample and 7.9%in the workforce sample.These study groups had 4.50 and 4.95 higher odds of being positive,respectively,compared to their younger counterparts(15-24 years).Conclusions:While HTC uptake increased five-fold in the community and almost three-fold in the workplace,the HIV positivity rates were insignificantly higher in 2015 compared to 2012.Our data can be used alongside other surveillance data to track HIV transmission in this specific context.Guided by the health impact assessment,the HIV prevention and control programme was readily adapted to the current setting through the identification of socioeconomic and environmental determinants of health.

Understand the local and regional contributions on air pollution from the view of human health impacts

The source-receptor matrix of PM_(2.5)concentration from local and regional sources in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei(BTH)and surrounding provinces has been created in previous studies.However,because the spatial distribution of concentration does not necessarily match with that of the population,such concentration-based source-receptor matrix may not fully reflect the importance of pollutant control effectiveness in reducing the PM_(2.5)-related health impacts.To demonstrate that,we study the source-receptor matrix of the PM_(2.5)-related deaths instead,with inclusion of the spatial correlations between the concentrations and the population.The advanced source apportionment numerical model combined with the integrated exposure-response functions is used for BTH and surrounding regions in 2017.We observed that the relative contribution to PM_(2.5)-related deaths of local emissions was 0.75%to 20.77%larger than that of PM_(2.5)concentrations.Such results address the importance of local emissions control for reducing health impacts of PM_(2.5)particularly for local residents.Contribution of regional transport to PM_(2.5)-related deaths in rural area was 22%larger than that in urban area due to the spatial pattern of regional transport which was more related to the rural population.This resulted in an environmental inequality in the sense that people staying in rural area with access to less educational resources are subjected to higher impacts from regional transport as compared with their more resourceful and knowledgeable urban compatriots.An unexpected benefit from the multi-regional joint controls is suggested for its effectiveness in reducing the regional transport of PM_(2.5)pollution thus mitigating the associated environmental inequality.

Monitoring of the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of the Water of the Gounti-Yéna Basin and Assessment of the Impact on the Health of the Populations

The Gounti Yéna valley is the main watercourse that divides the left bank of the city of Niamey into two unequal parts. The area of its watershed is estimated at about 62 km2. The objective of this study is on the one hand to evaluate the current state of the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of the water of the Gounti Yéna basin and on the other hand to define the risks of water pollution and its origin in the face of the phenomenon of the rise in the water table of this basin by defining some health risks linked to these impacts. In order to properly carry out this work, we carried out a study of the evolution of the physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of the water of the Gounti Yéna basin during the period from November 2020 to October 2021, at three sampling points chosen from upstream to downstream of the basin then entomological surveys and among the health centers of the capital. The results obtained showed that the physico-chemical quality of water in the Gounti Yéna basin is influenced by climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) and anthropogenic actions. This study also highlighted the presence of faecal contamination in the water of the Gounti Yéna basin with a greater degree during the rainy season. This contamination remains worrying and constitutes a health risk causing waterborne diseases. The stagnation of the various bodies of water is also a favorable place for the development and spread of vector-borne diseases.

Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health and Adaptation Strategies in South China

This study reviews the impacts of climate change on human health and presents corresponding adaptation strategies in South China.The daily mean surface air temperatures above or below 26.4 C increase the death risk for the people in Guangzhou,especially the elderly are vulnerable to variations in temperature.Heat waves can cause insomnia,fatigue,clinical exacerbation,or death from heatstroke etc.,while cold spells show increases in patients with fractures.During a cold spell period,the rates of both on-site emergency rescues and non-implementable rescues increase,and the risk of non-accidental deaths and respiratory disease deaths significantly rise as well.Both time series of hazy days and ozone concentrations have significant positive correlations with the number of patients with cardiovascular diseases.Both malaria and dengue fever reach higher altitudes and mountainous areas due to climate warming.Climate change is likely to bring stronger heat waves in the future,thereby increasing heat wave-related illnesses and deaths,particularly in the metropolitan areas of the Pearl River Delta.The projected increase of continuous cold days in Guangdong province and parts of northern Guangxi province will afect residents’health in the future.The rising temperature exaggerates ozone pollution,but it is not clear whether climate change is aggravating or mitigating haze pollution.The transmission potential of malaria in South China will increase by 39%–140%and the transmission season will extend by 1–2 months with an air temperature increase of 1–2 C.By 2050,most areas in Hainan province are projected to convert from non-endemic dengue into endemic dengue areas.The aging population will cause more vulnerable people.To mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on human health,sound and scientific adaptation strategies must be adopted in advance,such as strengthening the surveillance of epidemic diseases in potential transmission areas,conducting timely weather forecasting for human health,evaluating health vulnerability to climate change,improving environmental and health education,and strengthening hazard management and the cooperation between meteorological and health departments.

Health and Economic Impacts of Air Pollution in China: A Comparison of the General Equilibrium Approach and Human Capital Approach

In China, combustion of fossil fuels and biomass has produced serious air pollution that does harm to human health. Based on dose-response relationships derived from epidemiological studies, the authors calculated the number of deaths and people with health problems which were thought to be attributable to China's air pollution in the year of 2000. In order to estimate the corresponding economic impacts from the national point of view, the general equilibrium approach was selected as an analysis tool for this study. A computable general equilibrium (CGE) model was constructed involving 39 sectors and 32 commodities.The human capital approach (HCA) was also used for comparison. The economic burden of disease for people estimated by HCA was equivalent to 1.26‰ (ranging from 0.44‰ to 1.84‰) of China's gross domestic product (GDP). China's GDP loss estimated by the general equilibrium approach reached 0.38‰ (ranging from 0.16‰ to 0.51‰). The difference between the two approaches and the implications of the results were discussed.

Impact of Ambient Air Pollution on Public Health under Various Traffic Policies in Shanghai,China

To investigate the potential impact of ambient air pollution on public health under various traffic policies in Shanghai.Methods The exposure level of Shanghai residents to air pollution under various planned traffic scenarios was estimated,and the public health impact was assessed using concentration-response functions derived from available epidemiological studies.Results Our results showed that ambient air pollution in relation to traffic scenarios had a significant impact on the future health status of Shanghai residents.Compared with the base case scenario,implementation of various traffic scenarios could prevent 759-1574,1885-2420,and 2277-2650 PM10-related avoidable deaths(mean-value) in 2010,2015,and 2020,respectively.It could also decrease the incidence of several relevant diseases.Conclusion Our findings emphasize the need to consider air pollution-related health effects as an important impact of traffic policy in Shanghai.

Impact of Health Education on KAP towards Malaria among Basic Schools Pupils in Taiz Governorate. Republic of Yemen 2013: Pre and Post Intervention Study

Background: Malaria is one of the main health problems in Yemen. School-age children represent 25% of Yemen’s population and an increased proportion of these children are going to school. Schools provide a good entry point for community malaria prevention and control. Aim: To assess the impact of HE campaign towards malaria prevention and control. Methods: We conducted a community-based trial (pre-post intervention study), in two randomly selected districts (rural and urban) of Taiz governorate. The sample size was calculated using Epi Info version7 to be 1065 pupils from 6th - 8th grades in randomly selected basic schools. Data was collected using questionnaire before and after the intervention (three months apart). χ2 was used to analyze differences. Results: Health education activities in schools were associated with the increased knowledge of malaria symptoms and methods of prevention from 24.5% to be 60.2% among pre and post intervention respectively, with statistically significant difference (p Conclusions and Recommendation: Health education intervention in schools had a positive impact on the knowledge and attitude of pupils. We recommend conducting health education activities to improve the role of school pupils in malaria prevention.

Health Providers’ Points of View on the Impact of the Project to Strengthen the Expanded Program of Routine Vaccination from 2014 to 2018 in the Barumbu Health Zone in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 3 million deaths are prevented each year in the world thanks to vaccination and then, in addition, each year, it makes it possible to avoid nearly 750,000 children suffering from serious physical, mental or neurological handicaps and 1.5 million other deaths could be avoided if the vaccination coverage is improved. However, vaccination coverage is often not achieved due to various difficulties encountered by health providers in the expanded program on vaccination activities. Yet, it is important to strengthen the program. This research paper aimed to assess health providers’ points of view on the impact of the project to strengthen the routine expanded program on vaccination in the Barumbu health zone in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC). To do so, we surveyed a convenience sample of 234 health providers involved in the implementation of the project, including 210 community relays, 9 permanent nurses, 9 health committee chairpersons and 6 health authorities. A questionnaire related to the objective of the research was submitted to them. After analyzing the data, we found that the points of view of health providers are negative. The performance of the vaccination program was not great. Several reasons were given for this, including the non-involvement of the political and administrative authorities, the failure to respect the funds disbursement circuit and the non-effective financing of vaccination activities in the Barumbu health zone in Kinshasa, DRC.

Social Determinants of Health in Understanding the Socio-Economic Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

Social determinants of health are some indicating factors such as income, education, class, gender, and race that influence the socio-economic status of people living in a society. Coronavirus affects the social, economic, and also political sectors of people all over the world. In Bangladesh, during the Covid-19 pandemic, people of all ages and classes have faced social and economic crises based on the social determinants of health. Higher-class families had the facility of advanced medical services rather than the lower and lower-middle classes. This article aims to show the relationship between the social determinants of health and the socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. This paper presents some secondary data to describe the socio-economic impact of Covid-19 and the functions of the social determinants of health in this case.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers in Africa, Associated Factors and Coping Mechanisms: A Systematic Review

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health problem that has caused harm to the mental health of healthcare workers. In Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic has led healthcare workers to experience mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia and burnout. This study aimed to review published studies on the effect of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare workers, associated factors and coping strategies that have been employed in Africa. Methods: This was a systematic review that was conducted through searching databases including;PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar. The study included published literature from January 2020 to May 2022 that met the inclusion criteria. The selection of articles was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 39 articles were retrieved, of which only 18 met the inclusion criteria and were used in this study. Our review revealed that healthcare workers experienced mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress and burnout that were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping strategies such as religious practices, support from family members and colleagues and avoiding listening to social media about COVID-19 were used to minimize mental health problems. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased mental health disorders among healthcare workers in Africa. Identification of factors associated with mental health problems is cardinal in developing coping mechanisms against the psychological impact of COVID-19. Therefore, there is a need for governments to develop and implement strategies for protecting the mental health of healthcare workers during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.