A Mixed Methods Approach to Assessing Indoor Air Pollution Among Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Público

Graham, Megan (2011)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/fb494873n?locale=es
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Abstract

Background:

The incomplete combustion of burning biomass fuels, such as firewood and dung,
results in high levels of indoor air pollution and over 2 million deaths per year worldwide. The
women of Shero-Meda subcity on the outskirts of Addis Ababa Ethiopia cook with firewood
collected from the nearby Entoto Mountain and are exposed to high levels of indoor air pollution.
Objective: The research examines particulate matter and carbon monoxide levels in the homes
of women living in Shero-Meda subcity, and combines these results with interviews of the
women to explore their experience with firewood as their primary fuel.


Methods:

Eighty four households in Shero-Meda were monitored for particulate matter and
carbon monoxide for a 24 hour period. In addition, 5 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group
discussions were conducted in the community discussing fuel use, fuel preference, economics
and social empowerment.


Results:

The 24 hour particulate matter levels in the kitchens ranged from 135 µg per m3 to
12,737 µg per m3 with an average of 1580 µg per m3. All households exceeded the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard of 35 µg per m3 in 24 hour time period.
The 8 hour carbon monoxide averages among households ranged between 0.66 ppm and 69
ppms with an average of 16.08. Twenty-six households exceeded the USEPA 8 hour average of
9ppm. The maximum temperature recorded during cooking and kitchen volumes were seen to
have significant effects on CO levels. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions revealed
the economic hardship that binds women to using firewood for cooking, and the desire to utilize
a cleaner fuel for cooking.


Discussion:

Results provided evidence that smaller kitchen volumes had significantly higher
levels of carbon monoxide. Research provides critical evidence that indoor air pollution is a
major health hazard in Addis Ababa. In addition, conversations with women revealed that they
are unhappy using firewood for cooking, and with increased income would prefer to use
kerosene or even electricity. Improved cook stoves would reduce indoor air pollution, halt major
deforestation problems in Ethiopia, allocate time for women to participate in the commercial
market, and reduce the burden of disease among women and children.




Table of Contents


Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Problem Statement 3

Purpose Statement 3

Hypothesis 4

Significance Statement 5

Chapter 2: Comprehensive Review of Literature 5

Measuring Particulate Matter and Indoor Air Pollution in Developing Countries 6

Cooking with Biomass Fuels and Health Impacts 9

China 10

Kenya 10

India 11

Intervention Strategies 12

India 13

Honduras 14

Guatemala 15

Perceptions of Indoor Air Pollution among Women 17

Chapter 3: Methodology and Results

Methods 18

Population 19

Research Design 19

Procedures 19

Air Pollution Monitoring Component 19

Household Survey Component 21

Qualitative Component 21

Data Analysis 22

Results 22

Quantitative Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring 22

Qualitative Findings 28

Fuel Choice and Use 28

Health Impacts 31

Income Generating 31

Discussion of Fuel Wood Carriers in the Entoto Area 34

Children Under Five 36

Chapter 4: Discussion and Recommendations

Discussion36

Quantitative 36

Qualitative 36

Limitations 41

Recommendations 43


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