Climate change and health risks in Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya – knowledge, attitudes and practices among residents

Abstract

Background Residents of informal settlements in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) are vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. Little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of inhabitants of informal settlements in SSA regarding climate change and its health impacts. The aim of this study was to investigate how inhabitants of an informal settlement in SSA experience climate change and its health impacts and assess related knowledge, attitudes and practices. The study was conducted in Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 using a structured, semi-closed KAP questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were ≥ 18 years of age and living in one of the three main sections in Mukuru: Kwa Njenga, Kwa Reuben or Viwandani. By spinning a pen at the geographic centre of each section, a random direction was selected. Then, in every second household one individual was interviewed, creating a representative mix of ages and genders of the local community. To assess participant characteristics associated with climate change knowledge multivariable logistic regression was used. Thematic content analysis was performed for qualitative responses. Results Out of 402 study participants, 76.4% (n = 307) had heard of climate change before the interview, 90.8% (n = 365) reported that climate change was affecting their community, and 92.6% (n = 372) were concerned with the health-related impact of climate change. Having lived in Mukuru for more than 10 years and living in a dwelling close to the riverside were factors significantly associated with having heard of climate change before (aOR 3.1, 95%CI 1.7 – 5.8 and aOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1 – 6.1, respectively) and experiencing a climate change related impact on the community (aOR 10.7, 95%CI 4.0 – 28.4 and aOR 7.7; 95%CI 1.7 – 34.0, respectively). Chronic respiratory conditions, vector-borne diseases, including infectious diarrhoea, malnutrition and cardiovascular diseases were identified by respondents as climate related health risks. Conclusions Most respondents were knowledgeable about climate change and were experiencing its (health-related) impact on their community. This study provides insights which may prove useful for policy makers, intervention planners and researchers to work on locally adapted mitigation and adaption strategies.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Rural Communities Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance and Climate Change in Adadle District, Somali Region, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…Consequently, these conditions create fertile ground for the spread of infectious pathogens within these populations [51,52]. Consistent with findings from numerous other studies, our research underscores a notable surge in infectious diseases among displaced populations, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and vector-borne diseases [23,53]. This surge in infectious diseases is often compounded by the misuse of antibiotics, a significant contributing factor to the development of AMR [54].…”

“…Our findings are in alignment with recent systematic reviews conducted in Ethiopia [22] and communities in Dessie [15], which reflect the same trends for AMR awareness. Moreover, other studies conducted in different rural communities in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa similarly reported a commendable level of knowledge regarding CC [23,24]. This confirms our predictions of rural communities lacking knowledge about these important issues, and highlights the need for interventions in this regard.…”

Adapting to climate change-induced flooding: insights from women traders in the riverine areas of Nigeria—a qualitative study

“…The study emphasizes the critical need for improved communication channels and timely dissemination of information to enhance community preparedness. These findings diverge slightly from a previous study in Kenya, where respondents exhibited greater knowledge about climate change (Andersen et al, 2023). In Cameroon, communication for integrated rainfall and water management was a focal point (Nya et al, 2023).…”

“…Amidst those grappling with these challenges of flooding are vulnerable populations, with women, as agents of change and economic contributors, finding themselves on the front lines (Andersen et al, 2023;Ngcamu, 2023). The riverine areas of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, offer a poignant illustration of a region contending with the adverse effects of climate change, particularly recurrent flooding.…”

Pathways of Exposure toVibrio Choleraein an Urban Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya

“…The high concentrations of V. cholerae in environmental water reservoirs, including surface water, open drain water, and flood water, observed in this study highlight the poor sanitation conditions in the informal settlements. The surface water in these areas is part of the Ngong River [43], and considering that some households are built on the River banks [44], there is a possibility that fecal waste from the households ends up in open drains and into the river. The detection of V. cholerae in the environmental samples throughout the study period may be due to the continuous poor disposal of fecal matter into the open drains and surface waters and the long-term persistence of V. cholerae in the environmental reservoirs.…”