Patterns of fuel use, cooking practices and factors associated with the non use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking in peri-urban Cameroon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Over three billion people, mostly living in low and middle income countries are exposed to household air pollution from reliance on polluting cooking fuels (e.g. wood, charcoal). There is a dearth of information on barriers to adoption and sustained use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). METHODS: A cross-sectional demographic and fuel use survey was conducted in peri-urban Mbalmayo in Central Cameroon. Stratified random sampling was conducted to identify LPG users and solid fuel users. Participants completed in-depth surveys on individual and household characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with the non use of LPG. RESULTS: Among households using solid fuels (n=196), the main reported barrier to LPG adoption included the initial cost of LPG equipment (n=87; 59%). Concerns over LPG safety were a significant concern in both users and non-users of LPG (n=366; 83.6%) perceived LPG to be dangerous). More than a quarter reporting difficulty in obtaining an LPG cylinder refill when the cylinder was empty (n=127; 29%). Stacking was universal (100%) amongst LPG users, with cost of refills, free secondary fuel, and distance from retail point influencing the more exclusive use of LPG for clean cooking. The determinants of the non use of LPG were: education level (P = 0.023), non access to flush toilet (P=0.000), age group of 36-45 years (P = 0.037), low cash income (P=0.047); no pipe for water at home (P=0.047), the cost of LPG (P=0.018), behaviour on LPG dangerousness (0.034). CONCLUSIONS: To scale LPG adoption in peri-urban Cameroon, addressing safety concerns through education, and financially supporting households should be prioritized. Policies to facilitate uptake of LPG should be targeted on populations with low socioeconomic status. KEY WORDS: LPG, clean cooking, adoption