A Mixed Methods Approach to Assessing Indoor Air Pollution Among Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Pubblico
Graham, Megan (2011)
Published
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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