Association between architectural parameters and burden of tuberculosis in three resettlement colonies of M-East Ward, Mumbai, India

Abstract

Architecture and planning play an important role in ensuring good light and ventilation to provide a healthy and livable environment. To investigate the strength of association between structural factors of slum resettlement colonies buildings and the burden of tuberculosis (TB), a questionnaire-based semi-quantitative survey of 4080 households was carried out in three resettlement colonies (Lallubhai Compound, Natwar Parekh Compound and PMG colony) with questions on architectural patterns, socioeconomic details as well as occurrence of TB in any member of the household. Computational modelling for Sky View Factor, Daylight Autonomy and Natural Ventilation in the houses of all three colonies was also performed. The results show that lower floors do not have access to sufficient light and ventilation in the living area. Occurrence of TB was strongly associated with lower floor of the house, closed or only partially openable windows, lack of exhaust fans as well as the built environment of the houses. The study also traced back the poor conditions of light and ventilation to the relaxations in development control regulations given to rehabilitation buildings. The study recommends better planning and architecture measures to bring improvements in housing and avert a public health crisis.

COVID-19 & informal settlements: is Stay Home safe?

“…There is often less than 2-meters between neighbouring entrances and streets are often less than 2 meters wide making it extremely difficult to maintain distance when leaving the house to collect necessary supplies and to gain access to outdoor air (Fig.1). Poor air circulation and limited ventilation due to narrow streets are likely to increase the risk of infectious disease, as found with tuberculosis [7]. Similarly, shared walls with high permeability between dwellings are unlikely to offer protection between households.…”

Informal urbanism in the state of uncertainty: forms of informality and urban health emergencies

“…In Karachi, the original lots, which were mostly 80–120 square metres and single storey, have become apartments of 25–40 square metres ranging from medium-rise to high-rise (Hasan 2020 ). A study in Mumbai finds a strong association between the occurrence of tuberculosis and poor ventilation and sunlight, particularly in the lower floors (Pardeshi et al 2020 ). While dense places have been historically associated with hygiene concerns, the relations between density perceptions and highly contagious infectious disease concerns remained underexplored and poorly understood (Hooper 2020 ).…”

COVID-19 & informal settlements: is Stay Home safe?

“…There is often less than 2-meters between neighbouring entrances and streets are often less than 2 meters wide making it extremely difficult to maintain distance when leaving the house to collect necessary supplies and to gain access to outdoor air (Fig.1). Poor air circulation and limited ventilation due to narrow streets are likely to increase the risk of infectious disease, as found with tuberculosis [6]. Similarly, shared walls with high permeability between dwellings are unlikely to offer protection between households.…”

“…Governments and organisations must start to recognise the role of housing in health inequalities and support improved housing for all. Housing has been too often missed from the global health agenda, looked through the lens of affordability and access, and considered physically adequate when built from finished materials, with sufficient space and having access to water and sanitation [6]. While the recent WHO Housing and health guidelines [8] are a useful starting place, these must be expanded to include other risks (such as light levels, mosquito-borne diseases and pests) and be translated for use in the limiting conditions of informal settlements and be adapted to geographic and social contexts.…”