Using Cheaper Firewood and Paying Higher Treatment Costs in a Rural Community

Abstract

Health problem related to respiratory diseases is acute particularly in rural communities where firewood and agricultural residues are used as primary fuel. The use of inefficient traditional cookstoves in poorly ventilated rooms causes high levels of household air pollution, and also contributes to ambient air pollution. Household air pollution causes significant chronic health problems such as Asthma, COPD and Heart diseases, eye pain, head, and back pain as common diseases. This study aims to investigate factor affecting human health by using firewood in inefficient stoves and estimates the associated household health costs. A field survey was administered in 3 municipalities from two districts; Sindhuli and Kavrepalanchowk districts in between the years 2019 and 2020. A survey was carried out among 221 households. To gain deeper insights, we employed a cross-sectional analytical study, utilizing primary data and applying a multiple linear regression model. The findings show that there is a positive and significant relationship between health treatment cost and firewood use. This study recommends that cook stoves programmes should not be seen as only a means to reduce deforestation and time savings, but also need to be seen from health aspects in the rural households.