Lack Of Basic Services Research Articles

Conducting 24-hour movement behaviour research with preschool children in middle-income countries: Lessons from the SUNRISE pilot study in Mexico.

ObjectivesMovement behaviour research among preschoolers is nascent in low- and middle-income countries, where levels of physical activity, sleep, and sedentary time in children are largely unknown. This study aimed to adapt and assess the acceptability and feasibility of the International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years (SUNRISE) in Mexico, and report on challenges and solutions while implementing the protocol. Study designPilot study of the SUNRISE protocol in Mexico. MethodsSafety, logistic challenges, local dynamics, and population needs were considered to adapt the SUNRISE protocol. A gender-balanced sample of 100 children aged 3-4 years from urban and rural communities were recruited through early childcare and education centres (ECECs). Measures on children’s movement behaviours, anthropometry, gross and fine motor skills, and executive functions were collected. Challenges and solutions for implementing the protocol were documented. ResultsThe protocol was well accepted by the school community (School response rate: 83.3%). Data were collected from 132 children (response rate: 44.4%); 88 children had valid accelerometer data (average wear time: 766.8 min/d).Challenges faced included: stringent regulations to access ECECs, low confidence in the research team and protocol, low literacy levels among parents, lack of basic services in rural areas (e.g., electricity, transportation, accommodation), and poor compliance with accelerometer wear time. To overcome them, changes to the protocol considered: adaptions to meet ECECs dynamics, strategies to enhance trust in the research team and protocols (face-to-face communication, demonstrations, and encouraging parental engagement), seeking community leaders to facilitate access to rural areas and ensure the research team’s safety and access to basic facilities, and strategies to improve accelerometer adherence. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting movement behavior research among preschool children through ECECs in Mexico and provides relevant lessons learned that may hold relevance for researchers in settings with similar contexts to Mexico.

Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment in Informal Settlements of the Global South: A Critical Review

This study investigated the climatic risks and vulnerabilities of informal settlements in the Global South, as well as the extent to which these risks impact the vulnerabilities. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 methodology and deductive content analysis, this study critically examined 69 documents, including 28 scholarly journal articles obtained from Scopus and ScienceDirect and 41 web-based releases identified through the Google search engine and snowballing technique. Document inclusion criteria focused on the relevance to climate risks and vulnerabilities, excluding non-peer-reviewed, non-English, and unreliable sources, as well as irrelevant studies. Seven major climate risks impacting informal settlements were identified: floods (44), temperature changes (41), storms (31), sea level rise (30), drought (28), rainfall (23), and landslides (14). The primary vulnerabilities highlighted were poor housing conditions (64), health risks (50), lack of basic services (49), inadequate sanitation (41), inadequate hygiene (39), and limited access to water (38). The combination of vulnerabilities and climate risks creates considerable direct, indirect, and low-level threats to informal settlements. Despite Asia, Africa, and Latin America’s vulnerability, most studies focused on formal and developed areas. The findings highlight the critical need for climate adaptation strategies in informal settlements of the Global South to ensure the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are met.

Amazon Kit: Proposal for an Innovative Energy Generation and Storage Solution for Sustainable Development of Isolated Communities

Inequality and the lack of basic services are problems that affect some regions of the Amazon. Among these services, electricity is considered essential for quality of life, but it is still scarce. In some cases, the absence of electricity brings with it concerns that impact human health, well-being, and development. In this context, this research proposes to develop the sizing of a modular and expandable system for generating electricity with off-grid energy storage to serve single-family homes of river dwellers (from 2 to 8 people) in isolated communities in the Amazon. The research presents and demonstrates the Proknow-C systematic methodology, which shows a systematic approach to rigorous and structured literature reviews. The Amazon Kit concept covers the systems and configurations that can be proposed for single-family homes in the Amazon. The sizing of the Amazon Kit is carried out, ranging from data mapping to estimating consumption per person in homes, followed by the analytical calculation of the solar photovoltaic system—off the grid, considering the basis of the CRESESB portal. SAM (version 2023.12.17) and HOMER PRO® (Version 3.16.2) software is used to simulate and validate the systems. Thus validating the sizing and configuration according to the mapped data and per capita consumption and validating the operability and functionality according to the operating regime, respectively. In this manner, the system depicted in the design and specifications can be adapted to the requirements of single-family dwellings. Furthermore, it offers convenient system maintenance, with an inverter that operates in various configurations (on, off, and zero grid), as well as energy storage for days without sunlight or system maintenance. As a result, the system uses renewable technologies to provide electricity services, filling a significant gap in the literature found in the research. It also offers a sustainable and affordable solution to improve the quality of life and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources.

Factors that influence choice of residence by urban informal settlement dwellers in an intermediate city: A case study of Enugu, Nigeria

<p>The consequences of urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa are poverty, insecurity, and the growth of informal settlements. These settlements are characterized by overcrowding, tenure insecurity, a lack of basic services and amenities, and many other deprivations. The current study looks at the social and environmental problems faced by residents and the factors responsible for their choice to reside in an informal settlement in Enugu using the survey research method. Primary and secondary data were utilized in the study. Whereas the former source includes a structured questionnaire and observations, the latter source comprises relevant literature. A total of 111 questionnaires were distributed to household heads in five selected informal settlements in Enugu. The data set was collated and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Principal component analysis was used to classify and determine the factors influencing the choice to reside in an informal settlement. The study revealed that six factors influence the choice of residence in informal settlements: government/political influence, social integration/services, housing/employment, infrastructure accessibility, livelihood costs and security/economy. The factors accounted for 72.11 percent of the factors influencing the choice to reside in an informal settlement. The major social challenges faced by residents are gambling, drug abuse, and overcrowding. The study recommends that low-cost housing that is affordable should be provided for the low-income group that characterizes informal settlements in Enugu metropolis.</p>

The poverty trap: a grounded theory on the price of survival for the urban poor in Mexico

People living in poverty inhabit the outskirts of Mexican cities. They struggle and survive but cannot overcome poverty. The present article seeks to understand how the survival tactics of the urban poor keep them in poverty and, with this understanding, inform future interventions. A study based on qualitative grounded theory was conducted in 10 impoverished neighbourhoods in three main regions and cities in Mexico. Observational accounts and in-depth individual and group interviews were conducted with diverse social actors for 115 participants (75 women and 40 men) aged between 12 and 76 years. The data were analysed using an interpretative thematic analysis. Research findings revealed that the urban poor tackle adversities, such as a lack of basic services, health, education, environment, and nutrition. The strength, patience, and hard work employed by these individuals to survive were evident, but their actions to tackle these threats were costly. Ultimately, the urban poor remain in a cycle of poverty, or poverty traps. Interventions to fight poverty, improve life conditions, and general development must include integrated and participatory plans that consider the knowledge and strengths of the urban poor.

Living in ‘waithood’: perceived impact of socio-economic conditions on quality of life of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement, South Africa

Research on quality of life (QoL) is important for public policies and human development programmes. Given the high proportion of youth within the South African population, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements, the aim of the study was to investigate the socio-economic living conditions of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement and their perceived impact on their QoL. Guided by the Integrated Theory of Quality of Life and a blend of Honwana’s ‘waithood’ and Thieme’s ‘hustle’ theory, the research employed a qualitative, case study approach involving interviews with 20 youth between 18 and 35 years. Caught in prolonged ‘waithood’ between adolescence and adulthood, most participants were unemployed and relied on government grants or piece jobs. They acknowledged challenges that negatively affected their QoL such as lack of basic services which impacted their physical and mental health and feelings of safety. At the same time, they were able to see the benefits of living in Zandspruit such as having sporting programmes, business and job opportunities, availability of goods, and meeting people from different backgrounds. They were able to assert their agency to counter the negative environment and impact of waithood by socialising with family and friends, joining church choirs, engaging in sporting activities, helping children with homework, and persisting with job hunting. These activities represent ways of what Thieme (2017) refers to as ‘getting by’ while living in ‘waithood’. The study highlights the need to fast-track the implementation of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme by providing essential services.

Aguapuntura: a water-sensitive approach to revitalize informal settlements in the city of Asunción, Paraguay

In the last decades, rapid urban development led to the birth of informal working-class neighbourhoods. This phenomenon refers particularly to big cities of the developing world, where the slum’s expansion is uncontrolled and has caused a lack of basic services, drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities, generating open sewers, pollution and landslides due to runoff. The present research, focused on the Chacarita district of Asunción (Paraguay), proposes a multiscalar strategy to manage the water resource, address environmental risk and urban and landscape redevelopment. The study proposes the regeneration of public spaces in one of the sectors that compose the Chacarita Alta neighborhood. The proposed design strategies aim at enhancing its natural and urban heritage through punctual interventions on water involving its collection, purification and reuse. Results underline the potential of the designed prototypes in improving the living conditions of the Chacarita residents.

Slum Settlement Development and Its Impact on Women's Health in Gondar Town Chirkos Sub-City

Lack of basic services is one of the most frequently mentioned characteristics of slum. People living in informal settlements, particularly in slums, suffer more spatial, social and economic exclusion. The basic problems inherent in slums are health hazards, particularly for women. The main of objective of the study is to investigate Slum settlement Development and Its impact on women's health in Gondar town, Chirkos sub city. Cross sectional design and mixed research approach were used for this study. Three Kebeles were selected from Chirkos sub city purposively and sample households were selected using simple random sampling. Among 3237 target population 110 samples were selected. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources via survey questionnaire, key informant interview, indirect personal observation and document references. Descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative way of analysis were used to analyze data. Results show that magnitude of slum settlement development is very high. Slum settlers do not get basic home infrastructures and there is problem of tenure security. Migration of people from another place especially from rural areas, higher rate of population growth, prevalence of local markets in the study area, housing provision problem, poverty and income in equality were found factors responsible for slum development. Women’s in the slum have poor habit of keeping their personal hygiene and sanitation and have waste disposal habit. Slum settlement has great impact on women’s health. The main common disease in slum areas includes measles, pneumonia, diarrhea, typhoid and typhus and common cold.

ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG URBAN SLUM RESIDENTS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS, ENUGU STATE

Environmental pollution and hazards have contributed alarming risks to human life over many years. It calls for public attention in which Agenda 21 was rooted with emphasis on environmental awareness, formal education, and training as a process by which societies can reach their fullest potential in the prevention of such risks. Building strong mechanisms for environmental awareness can go a long way to minimize environmental challenges of the urban poor particularly in slums. Rapid urbanization growth has caused accelerating rate of urban poverty and the process of urbanization has many relationships with slum formation. Still in Nigeria, just as in other developing nations of the world, slums exist in most cities and urban centers like Enugu metropolis. The main environmental problem in the selected slum areas shows manifestations in hazardous locations; lack of basic services; substandard housing/building structures; overcrowding; unhealthy living conditions (open defecation, open sewers, uncontrolled dumping of waste), high level of criminal activities, bad roads and polluted environment. The negative impact of the slums on the environment makes it necessary to pay more attention to the analysis of human environmental behavior and its social interaction. As a result of these, residents’ awareness and appreciation of their environment provides a foundation for a healthy relationship to the environment. The study centres on the evaluation of the environmental awareness among urban slum dwellers in Enugu Metropolis. A simple random sampling technique was employed to arrive at the sample size of 398 households. Physical observations and photographs were also used in collecting the data which were analyzed using the software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The hypothesis was tested using One-Way-ANOVA and the result shows that p<0.05 level (F (8.280)= 3.172. P=0.001). Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative which signifies that there is a significant difference in the level of environmental awareness in the study area. However, media and education, both had marked effects on dissemination of environmental awareness. Improved environmental conditions with increased environmental awareness on proper waste disposal and pollution control can reduce the environmental hazards in slum residential areas in Enugu metropolis were recommended.

Assessment of Physical Standards of Housing for Healthy Living in Urban Informal Settlement: A Case of Rupsha Slum in Khulna

Overcrowding, poor structural quality of housing, and a lack of basic services and infrastructure differentiate informal settlement as a distinct type of community. Poor housing quality is directly connected to a greater risk of disease and illness in informal settlements. This research is being carried out to provide a comprehensive picture of the existing physical conditions of housing and aims to measure the deviation of housing quality between existing and standard healthy housing parameters in informal settlements. A substantial amount of fieldwork has been conducted to map the existing physical structure of the settlement and a list of preventable diseases suffered from poor housing is made through conducting a focus group discussion and interviews of 50 households in a distinct informal settlement situated in Bangladesh’s third-largest city, namely Khulna. To assess the housing quality a framework of standard housing is made by reviewing the book “Park’s textbook of preventive and social medicine” by K. Park. Results indicate that - 70% of the total household does not satisfy the minimum housing standard; in most cases, 4 or 5 persons must share a single room of 102 to 150 sqft area; a single toilet serves 180 people; the queuing time for drinking water from a tube well exceeds 45 minutes. The study also reveals the settler’s complex mechanism of compact living through space sharing dynamics. Journal of Engineering Science 13(2), 2022, 51-67

INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA

In southeast Mexico, Maya girls have to memorize and repeat without fully understanding the subjects taught, practices commonly seen in rural villages due to the lack of acceptance of multilingualism in the classroom and failure in incorporating indigenous knowledge in the pedagogical practices. Additionally, gender norms limit even more their participation in school. Therefore, this research aims to analyze inclusive educational practices from the experience of rural teachers who favored the educational advancement of girls in Maya communities. For this purpose, this study was developed under a variety of mixed research methods that included a quantitative data from institutions dedicated to the promotion of the educational rights of women and indigenous peoples in Mexico and the world. These were used to sketch the context of the educational practices. The use and implementation of the educational practices themselves was studies by a qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews revealing the narrative of the work and educational experiences of rural teachers. It was found that indigenous education policies promote gender and ethnocultural equality by integrating knowledge, cultural practices and the valuing of linguistic diversity in the rural classroom; however, in practice, the teaching of Spanish prevails over the Mayan language. In addition, poverty, gender norms and the lack of basic services that still prevail in rural communities hinder both girls and boys to achieve higher levels of education.

The role of irrigation projects in the development of rural settlements conceptual framework and experiences

Irrigation projects have a key role in influencing economic factors and reshaping the demographic distribution pattern of rural settlements and elements of development. As the main objective of the research is to show what irrigation projects achieve in rural development through the redistribution of rural human settlements in a schematic manner consistent with the new irrigation reality and helps In exploiting the agricultural potential to reach the rebuilding of the rural economy, and to help solve the problem of poor distribution of development benefits and the lack of public services for rural human settlements, due to the spread and scattering of villages, assuming that the prevailing pattern of widespread distribution changes and the use of a new pattern based on the grouping of villages, and raising the rate of Population size in a way that helps to achieve the rural development process. Considering that the dominant feature that distinguishes the pattern of rural settlements in Iraq is the small size of the settlements, their spread and their lack of basic services, which is the characteristic that stands in the way of development and development.Among the most important conclusions achieved for the role of irrigation projects in addition to agricultural development, is their contribution to the urban development of rural human settlements and providing them with public and agricultural services by linking to a network of roads, in addition to establishing new settlements that support the rural economy.

A systematic approach to developing NP-led student health services clinic on a regional university campus.

Universities are communities with specific health care needs, and rural campuses often do not have access to student health services (SHS). Lack of basic services can increase health risks for students and the greater community. A theory-informed quality improvement project utilizing an organizational assessment, study survey, and proof-of-concept intervention designed to demonstrate feasibility and acceptability of a SHS clinic. An NP-directed influenza immunization clinic was conducted on a small rural college campus in southeastern United States. Seventy-eight students received influenza vaccinations, demonstrating to local stakeholders the feasibility and acceptability of SHS for primary preventative services. Ninety-seven percent of these students expressed a high likelihood that they would obtain the vaccine again. Results of this study can be used as an exemplar to guide health care initiatives focused on college students in rural communities.

Quality of housing for inner areas between specialised supply, proximity welfare and production of new economies

This paper focuses on the issue of housing in inner areas, presenting a project of the candidacy of the Campania region for the PINQuA national funding programme, which was launched by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in 2020. The project is based on the hypothesis that it is possible to reverse the demographic trend in marginalised areas – characterised by a declining population, a high old-age index, a lack of basic services and, at the same time, a high potential for innovation – with building renovation and differentiated housing offers with high standards of quality and services. Through a systemic and place-based approach, the research uses pilot cases to experiment on themes linked to new housing demands, digital and green innovation, proximity welfare and social cohesion through a multi-actor and multi-level process.

Socioeconomic conditions and fossil fuel CO2 in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro

Worldwide monitoring of fossil fuel carbon dioxide (FFCO2) has been fragmented, and mostly devoted to developed countries. Here we compare a previously published FFCO2 dataset with socio-economic characteristics in order to better tailor FFCO2 urban point-sources for a megacity of the Global South, the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro (MARJ), Brazil. Evaluations were performed by superimposing maps of the FFCO2 measurements on urban data acquired from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the latest Origin-Destination Survey of the MARJ, and correlation and regression analyses between FFCO2 and socioeconomic variables. While we confirmed that population density and the transportation sector are important drivers of FFCO2 concentrations, the centrality of urban activities within MARJ also creates undesirable clustered zones (e.g., the city centers and the main intercity bridge). At the intra-urban scale, both high- and low-income residents play important roles in FFCO2 levels. For instance, higher-income populations tend to produce more carbon pollution at their own residential areas, where most urban activities are located. Low FFCO2 levels were found in low-income areas with poor infrastructure. However, distance from the city center, age distribution, job availability, lack of basic services, and car ownership force low-income populations to commute through high-traffic areas, adding high FFCO2 levels to the same already clustered places. By integrating FFCO2 monitoring with many socioeconomic variables, we believe that we capture its spatial distribution as well as better understand the causes of its emission patterns. Therefore, future CO2 monitoring and assessment studies conducted in megacities can benefit from the insights and discussions presented in this study.

The October 2019 Protest Movement in Iraq. An Analysis of the 'Early Moments' of the Mobilisation

On 1 October 2019, a wide-ranging anti-government protest took to the streets in Baghdad. Grievances included unemployment, a lack of basic services, the absence of social justice, and endemic corruption in political and economic institutions. Despite swift and severe state repression, the protest snowballed into a countrywide mobilisation encompassing the central-southern governorates to become the largest protest movement to challenge Iraq's post-2003 political order. By granting analytical weight to the role of early riser activists, this paper focuses on the factors that shaped activists' decisions and lead to different forms of spontaneous participation involving both sympathisers and bystanders. In so doing, it draws attention to the non-hierarchical structure of the movement and its diffused communication strategy, the repression as a moral shock and the rhetoric of protest slogans. At the crossroads between social movement studies and Iraqi studies, this article contributes to both bodies of scholarship with empirical research. On one hand, it enriches social movement literature by shedding light on strategies and actions adopted by activists operating in non-liberal contexts. On the other hand, it enriches Iraqi political studies by demonstrating that the country hosts a vibrant sphere of contentious politics, a sphere that deserves ample scrutiny.

Climate risk responses and the urban poor in the global South: the case of Dhaka's flood risk in the low-income settlements

The impacts of climatic hazards pose disproportionate risks on the poorer groups who are often the least able to adapt. The low-income urban settlements1 present the extreme cases where the vulnerability to climate risks increases manifold due to pre-existing socio-economic vulnerabilities (e.g. developed through lack of basic services). Despite wide acknowledgement of Dhaka's growing vulnerability to climate change, there is hardly any recent documentation on the existing micro-level adaptation practices, particularly on the most vulnerable low-income communities who are the hardest hit and often lacks the pre-conditions for successful adaptation. Due to the lack of data the understanding of the ongoing phenomenon in Dhaka is not clear and this study attempts to fill the gap by identifying the ways in which Dhaka's low-income population respond to their flood risk. The study adopts mixed-methods (questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, transect walks) to collect required data covering different scales, i.e. household and community. The results show despite being challenged by numerous pre-existing conditions, the vulnerable communities show great resilience to climatic risks based on their limited resources, local knowledge and skills. The study also reveals that the urban poor does not respond to the physical risk itself, rather they respond to what that risk means to their livelihood. Based on the analysis of the existing adaptation responses, the study identifies ways in which the macro-level efforts can be integrated with the micro-level responses to achieve meaningful longer-term resilience.

How village leaders in rural Amazonia create bonding, bridging, and linking social capital configurations to achieve development goals, and why they are so difficult to maintain over time

At the dawn of the 21st century, riverine communities in the Brazilian Amazon faced natural resource conflicts, land tenure issues, a lack of basic services, and other development challenges. The solutions to these challenges required riverine leaders to not only build extensive social networks, but also forced them to create mutually reinforcing configurations of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. A position generator survey conducted among a sample of riverine communities in the municipality of Lábrea, Amazonas confirmed that riverine leaders had more extensive linking social capital than non-leaders. Two years of ethnographic research identified the complex micro-sociological processes riverine leaders engaged in to create the configurations of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital required to achieve collective goals. These micro-sociological processes included day-to-day behaviors, actions, interactions, and complex decisions regarding how and when to activate and deactivate relationships. This research indicates that analyzing day-to-day micro-sociological processes is useful not only to understand social capital configurations, but also to understand how some people are able to create more social capital than others. However, while some micro-sociological processes facilitate social capital configurations, others complicate efforts to create and maintain them. This article also illustrates the burdens riverine leaders faced in creating social capital configurations and the challenges of maintaining them over time. This study builds on previous research regarding the role of community leadership in rural development and provides examples of how analyzing micro-sociological processes can help identify the benefits, costs, and burdens of creating the social capital necessary to achieve development goals.

The information-seeking behaviour of Egyptian parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a descriptive study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the information-seeking behavior of Egyptian parents of autistic children.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample consists of 61 parents across Egypt, divided into six focus groups, as equal as possible, to represent Northern, Middle and Southern Egypt.FindingsDmographically, of the 61 parents, 32 (52.5%) were fathers, and 29 (47.5%) were mothers. A large number of parents' ages ranged from 31 to 45 years old. The highest percentage of them was holding a BA, followed by a high school/diploma, and the highest percentage was found to be married. The parents of autistic children followed many methods and channels to obtain supportive information related to their children's disease. They used many types of information, which varied between formal and informal sources. While just over a quarter of Egyptian parents prefer to use formal sources (books, newspapers, magazines, health publications, pamphlets, as well as specialized libraries), more than three-quarters of them used informal sources, such as mobile/smartphones, the Web, social media and social networking sites. The information related to the search for institutions supporting autistic people came in the first place, then that information related to searching for specialized centers in treating autistic children, then information related to rehabilitation, integration and psychological support centers for these children and then information related to the search for financial aid provided by charitable or even government agencies. Some parents were found to have limited awareness of their children's treatment mechanism, as some of them do not consider the need to treat their children in a systematic, continuous, and systematic manner. Similarly, the lack of basic services and shortage of government centers specializing in the treatment of these children. Parents also emphasized the lack of government support, as well as the lack of curative research centers. Some also pointed out that there was a shortage of workshops for the rehabilitation of their children and themselves as well.Originality/valueThis research is considered to be the first research of its kind at the local and Arab levels, which is also one of the few studies at the regional level that is interested in this community of information seekers. The findings of this research can raise awareness about the information behavior of Egyptian parents of autistic children among those who are interested in the role of the information and its use by specific groups of the information society, as well as decision makers.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-11-2020-0494

Faces of Marginal Housing in Romania

Marginal settlements may be defined as inhabited areas characterized by a series of negative features, typicallyethnic segregation, social discrimination, poor living conditions and conflicts, with impact on their dwellers and neighboring communities. In Romania, informal settlements were legislated in 2019; it subsequently became mandatory for the local authorities to spatially delimit them and formulate measures to improve living conditions. However, there are still numerous issues to be solved, from the lack of basic services (health, education) to the persistent poor living conditions or serious environmental problems. The Roma communities selected for our study are no exception. They are located on the outskirts of some cities or in their historical centers (Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Timișoara, Baia Mare). Through content analysis, based on print and electronic media from the last 10 years (n = 150 news items), different aspects of marginal housing were illustrated. The results of the study revealed some particular aspects, namely: some of the Roma communities are relocated whilst some others are subject to environmental conflicts; funding addressing the quality of life of Roma ethnics seems to deepen the phenomenon of segregation among communities, most of the measures being limited to the creation of housing facilities.