Impacts of Living Conditions on Health Status of Slum Dwellers: A Study of District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

One of the most enduring physical manifestations of the rapid urbanization seen in developing countries has been the development of slum and squatter settlements. Slums and squatter settlements continually grow for a variety of reasons, such as socio-economic, environmental, and living conditions, among many others. Lacking the means of basic facilities, people from these settlements experience the most deplorable living and health conditions. The absence of basic infrastructure, such as unsafe sanitary and hygienic environment, inadequate drinking water, hazardous locations, insecurity and vulnerability, overcrowded and dilapidated habitation, and the nonexistence of waste disposal arrangements creates serious health risks. This study accounts for understanding the living impacts on dwellers by applying mixed research methods and techniques. The primary data was collected from the slums of district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. Collected data was statistically analyzed and also presented through thematic discussion. The results of the study highlighted that most of the slum residents live in pathetic living conditions and suffer from various health issues, especially women and children.