Slum Communities Research Articles

Differential practice and associated factors of COVID-19 personal preventive measures among the slum and estate communities of Uganda: A community-based cross-sectional survey.

Compliance with personal preventive measures (PPMs) remains essential in the prevention and control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks. This study aimed at examining and comparing the practice of COVID-19 PPMs and associated factors in selected slum and estate communities of Uganda. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1025 slum and estate residents in Uganda. The outcome variable was compliance with COVID-19 PPMs, including face mask use, hand washing/hygiene, and social distancing. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the associated factors, using SPSS (version 26). Of the 1025 participants, 511 and 514 were slum and estate residents, respectively. Compliance with PPMs was as follows; face mask use (slum 45.0% vs. estate 49.6%; P = 0.27), hand washing/hygiene (slum 38.4% vs. estate 44.9%; P = 0.04), and social distancing (slum 19.4% vs. estate 36.0%; P < 0.001). Compared to estate residents, slum residents had more knowledge related to COVID-19, perceived COVID-19 would have a longer timeline and larger impact on their life, had more depression and anxiety symptoms, and faced more difficulties to access information. Illness perceptions, infection risk, and severity perceptions were associated with higher odds of PPMs compliance in both groups, except for perceiving a high chance of contracting COVID-19, which was associated with lower odds of social distancing in the slum community. Depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with higher odds of PPMs compliance in both groups. Frequent exposure to COVID-19 information through health care workers and family members and friends was associated with higher odds of all the PPMs in both communities. Moreover, getting COVID-19 information from local channels was significantly associated with higher odds of mask use and hand hygiene, but only in the estate community. Our findings provided implications to improve PPMs compliance in future infectious disease outbreaks. To improve PPMs compliance rates, redesigning community education to focus on fostering positive perceptions and addressing the water and sanitation needs of slum communities are essential. Moreover, designing programs that provide free or subsidised face masks and soap to the most vulnerable and engaging religious leaders are also vital strategies.

Social Capital and Slum Communities: How to Fulfill Their Basic Needs in Palembang City during The Covid-19 Pandemic

Indonesia and other developing countries, slum settlements remain the most pressing issue. The high pace of population expansion, both in terms of births and urbanization, is a factor in the development of slums. While the Covid-19 outbreak ravaged the city of Palembang, Indonesia, this study examines the role of the city's slums in providing basic necessities. This study employs both a qualitative and descriptive technique. Sampling via purposive sampling and data gathering approaches such as observation and in-depth interviews. The study's findings indicate that (1) a high level of social capital as measured by networks, norms, and beliefs enables slum communities to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the slum area communities' strategy for survival is to utilize yard land, home industries, social gathering, recitation, and mutual cooperationIndonesia and other developing countries, slum settlements remain the most pressing issue. The high pace of population expansion, both in terms of births and urbanization, is a factor in the development of slums. While the Covid-19 outbreak ravaged the city of Palembang, Indonesia, this study examines the role of the city's slums in providing basic necessities. This study employs both a qualitative and descriptive technique. Sampling via purposive sampling and data gathering approaches such as observation and in-depth interviews. The study's findings indicate that (1) a high level of social capital as measured by networks, norms, and beliefs enables slum communities to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the slum area communities' strategy for survival is to utilize yard land, home industries, social gathering, recitation, and mutual cooperation

Tracking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices: Waste Management and Environmental Cleaning in the Slums of North India.

Background One or more of the following five amenities is lacking in slum communities: durable housing, sufficient living area, access to clean water, access to improved sanitation facilities, and secure tenure. This study aimed to identify the gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in the urban slums of Lucknow. Methodology A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among families residing in the urban slums of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India for 18 months starting from April 2020. Results A total of 747 heads of families were interviewed and their families were surveyed. The proportion of kaccha slums was 37.25% and of pakka slums was 62.74%. About 98.3% of families residing in kaccha slums used indiscriminate throwing as a method of solid waste disposal. About 96.5% offamilies residing in kaccha slums practiced open-field defecation while those residing in pakka slums used a toilet within the premises. Kaccha slum dwellers were practicing open-field defecation 12.8 times more than pakka slum dwellers. This study showed that sanitary conditions in kaccha slums were mainly responsible for the overall burden of excreta disposal, solid waste disposal, and access to water supply for drinking and other household purposes. Conclusions Water supply and housing conditions such as dampness, floor, and the non-availability of electricity are the primary predictors of the preference for open-field defecation among slum dwellers.

Community centred co-design methodology for designing and implementing socio-behavioural interventions to counter COVID-19 related misinformation among marginalized population living in the squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan: a methodology paper

BackgroundMisinformation regarding COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination is damaging COVID-19 vaccine trust and acceptance in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Identification of misinformation and designing locally acceptable solutions are needed to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. This study aimed to utilize community-led co-design methodology to evaluate misinformation regarding COVID-19 and develop contextual interventions to address misinformation in a marginalized peri urban slum communities of Landhi town Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsThis study was conducted between January and December 2021, in marginalized peri-urban slum dwellers of Muslimabad Colony, Landhi Town Karachi, Pakistan. We used a community-centred co-design methodology embedded within mixed study design to identify misinformation, co-design, test and implement locally acceptable solutions. The co-design methodology involved five stages of the design thinking model: (1) Empathize, (2) Define, (3) Ideate, (4) Prototype, and (5) Test. The project involved active engagement and participation of wide range of stakeholders and community beneficiaries (end users) including local EPI vaccinators, informal healthcare workers, religious leaders (male and female), schoolteachers (male and female), local government representatives, community leaders, housewives, youth, and general population. To develop a trusting relationship, and understand local culture, values, practices, and traditions, we allowed one month of observation period (observe, engage, watch, and listen) in the beginning, followed by door-to-door survey along with focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI) at baseline. Co-design workshops (separate for male and female) were conducted at each stage of co-design methodology to design and test locally acceptable solutions.ConclusionCommunity-centred co-design methodology was not only successful in designing, testing, and evaluating locally acceptable solutions but it also actively engaged and empowered the marginalized population living in peri urban slum communities of Karachi, Pakistan.

Nurturing Sustainable Development: Unveiling the Dynamics of Implementing Slum Management Policies in Indonesia

This article explores the dynamics of implementing slum management policies in Indonesia, aiming to contribute to sustainable development efforts. The background highlights the significance of addressing slum areas in achieving sustainable urban development goals. The research objective is to unveil the complexities and challenges encountered during the implementation of slum management policies. A qualitative research approach involving interviews, document analysis, and case studies was employed to gain insights into policy formulation, implementation strategies, and their impact on slum communities. The findings reveal the multifaceted nature of slum management, encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The study identifies the need for integrated and participatory approaches, improved coordination among stakeholders, and targeted interventions to foster sustainable development in slum areas. These findings contribute to the understanding of effective policy implementation and provide insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in urban development and slum management in Indonesia.

Health-Seeking Behavior Regarding Coughs in Urban Slums in Lagos, Nigeria.

TB is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with slum residents being disproportionately affected. This study aimed to assess health-seeking behavior among adult residents of slum communities presenting with coughs in Lagos, Nigeria. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted across six urban slums in Nigeria as part of community outreaches to mark World TB Day. A structured, pretested questionnaire was used to capture relevant sociodemographic details and questions regarding symptoms of coughs and related symptoms as well as care-seeking behavior. Data were explored, analyzed, and presented using descriptive statistics. A total of 632 respondents participated in this study. The majority were 25-34 years old (24.7%), male (65.8%), Christian (55.7%), married (73.7%), with secondary education (37.8%), with 3-4 persons per household (41%) and with 1-2 persons per room (44.5%). In total, 26.6% had had a cough for two weeks or more and were considered as presumptive TB patients. Overall, 37.2% of respondents with a cough visited patent proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs) as the first port of call. Good health-seeking behavior was exhibited by only 36.2% of respondents. In total, 38.9% delayed seeking care from a health facility (government or private) more than one month after the onset of symptoms. None of the factors included in the multivariate analysis showed a significant association with good health-seeking behavior (i.e., visiting government or private hospitals/clinics). The poor health-seeking behavior, delay in seeking TB care and preference for PPMVs emphasizes the need for National tuberculosis programs (NTPs) to further engage these informal providers in TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment services in urban slum communities.

Right to the city in the age of neoliberal development: A case study of two slum communities in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Due to rapid urbanization and the influence of neoliberal development policies, slum dwellers frequently encounter marginalization, inadequate living conditions, limited access to urban resources and spaces, and limited political representation throughout the world. Bangladesh is not an exception. This study investigates the right to appropriate and political participation of the urban poor in Bangladesh within the context of neoliberal development. In addition, the study critically evaluates the role of the state and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations in mobilizing the urban poor in Bangladesh. The study, therefore, implements a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and community consultations, to obtain answers to these questions from two slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh, named Sattola and Pallabi. The findings show that the urban poor in these informal settlements confront significant challenges in claiming urban spaces due to local legislation, regulations, and development plans. As a result, they must negotiate with various formal and informal stakeholders to exercise their rights over urban spaces. The study also emphasizes that the urban poor face social and institutional barriers that limit their ability to participate effectively in decision-making, such as exclusion from formal political processes, limited access to information, and a lack of awareness of their rights. These difficulties exacerbate their marginalization from conventional urban development planning. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that due to the authoritarian state’s control over them, NGOs and other civil society organizations cannot assist the urban poor in mobilizing their right to the city. As a result, this study underlines the importance of a democratic government in Bangladesh for recognizing and defending the rights of the urban poor. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of policy reforms and partnerships among government institutions, civil society organizations, and international actors to achieve inclusive and sustainable urban development that prioritizes the rights and well-being of the urban poor.

A Review of the Role of Intermediate Partners in the Community Participatory Mapping Project at Slum Upgrading Settlement

Surakarta has put a lot of effort into promoting civic engagement. Numerous projects have been taken out since 2017 to help the local government with the upgrading of the slum community on the Kali Pepe and Bengawan Solo River riverbanks. The initiation comes from grass root programme. Clarifying the function of intermediary actors in the administration of participatory mapping on slum improvement projects is the goal of this study. The initiatives were based on the writers’ experiences while working on several community engagement programs for project upgrades between 2018 and 2022 at Surakarta City (Solo). The information is gathered through field research that is done concurrently with project execution. Selected participatory mapping projects included four case studies. The Kampung Layak Anak Project was run by Urban Rural Design and Conservation (URDC Labo) and ARKOM Solo in 2017, The Green Kampung Project was run by URDC Labo UNS and SIBAT Sewu in 2018, Bangkit Berbarengan was run by URDC Labo and ARKOM Solo in 2020, and Mojo’s participatory mapping of a children-friendly environment (2022) are just a few examples. Several participants were involved in the neighborhood data collection process, and participatory mapping technologies were applied. It will explore these conflicts to look at the role intermediate partners play in empowering communities. Since participatory mapping pertains to both top-down and bottom-up methodologies, the findings primarily focus on the ambiguity of participation in the context of Solo. Another conclusion highlights the role of intermediary actors, such as academics, ARKOM, KOTAKU, and Sibat Sewu, in efforts to restructure urban areas.

Trends of infant vaccination timeliness and completion in selected urban slum communities in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria: A four-year review.

Suboptimal infant vaccination is common in Nigeria and multiple interventions have been deployed to address the situation. Child health indicators are reported to be worse in urban slums compared with other urban areas, but urban data are usually not disaggregated to show these disparities. Examining the timeliness and completion of infant vaccination in urban slums is important to determine the effectiveness of existing interventions in improving infant vaccination among this vulnerable population. This study explored the trends of infant vaccination in selected urban slum communities in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria between November 2014 and October 2018. This was a cross sectional study where infant vaccination data were extracted from the immunization clinic records of six primary health care centers that were providing infant vaccination services for seven urban slum communities. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square test at α = 05. A total of 5,934 infants vaccination records were reviewed, 2,895 (48.8%) were for female infants and 3,002(50.6%) were from Muslim families. Overall, only 0.6% infants had both timely and complete vaccination during the four years under study. The highest number of infants with timely and complete vaccination were seen in 2015(12.2%) and least in 2018(2.9%). Regarding timeliness of the vaccines, BCG, was the least timely among the vaccines given at birth and the pentavalent and oral polio vaccines' timeliness reduced as the age of the infants increased. Both yellow fever and measles vaccines were timelier than the pentavalent vaccines. Vaccines were most timely in 2016(31.3%) and least timely in 2018(12.1%). Those from Muslim families significantly had delayed and incomplete vaccinations compared with those from Chrisitan families (p = 0.026). Infant vaccinations were significantly delayed and incomplete in the study communities during the years reviewed. More focused interventions are required to ensure optimal vaccination of the infants.

Strengthening Kampala's Urban Referral System for Maternal and Newborn Care Through Establishment of an Emergency Call and Dispatch Center.

Most pregnant women living in urban slum communities in Uganda deliver at public health centers that are not equipped to provide emergency obstetric and newborn care. When obstetric emergencies occur, pregnant women are referred to a higher-level facility and are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transport. The Kampala Slum Maternal Newborn (MaNe) project developed and tested an emergency call and ambulance dispatch center and a mobile application to request, deploy, and track ambulances. We describe the development of these 2 interventions and findings on the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of the interventions. MaNe conducted a mixed-method feasibility study that included an assessment of the acceptability and demand of the interventions. In-depth interviews (N=26) were conducted with facility proprietors, health providers, ambulance drivers, Kampala Capital City Authority officers, and community members to understand the successes and challenges of establishing the call center and developing the mobile application. Thematic content analysis was done. Quantitative data from the call center dispatch logs were analyzed descriptively to complement the qualitative findings. Between April 2020 and June 2021, 10,183 calls were made to the emergency call and dispatch center. Of these, 25% were related to maternal and newborn health emergencies and 14% were COVID-19 related. An ambulance was dispatched to transfer or evacuate a patient in 35% of the calls. Participants acknowledged that the call center and mobile application allowed for efficient communication, coordination, and information flow between health facilities. Supportive district leadership facilitated the establishment of the call center and has taken over the operating costs of the center. The call center and referral application improved the coordination of drivers and ambulances and allowed facilities to prepare for and treat cases more efficiently.

Knowledge and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among young males in a slum area in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundGlobally, young people are faced with sexual and reproductive health challenges such as unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and unsafe abortions which result from limited knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and poor utilization of the available services. The purpose of this study was to assess the sexual and reproductive health knowledge, pattern of service utilization, and the associated factors among young males in slum communities of Mushin Local Government Area (L.G.A), Lagos State, Nigeria. MethodsThe study was conducted among young males, 15–24 years in Mushin Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire that consisted of three domains with 57 questions, and was interviewer-administered. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 422 participants. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression were carried out using SPSS version 20. ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 21.01 years ± 2.00, and 73.06% of the respondents had good knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. 52.85% of the respondents had poor knowledge regarding the likely occurrence of pregnancy at mid-menstrual cycle. Nearly two-third (64%) of the respondents have ever visited a health facility for sexual and reproductive health service. Ethnicity(AOR = 2.73), access to the internet(AOR = 1.77) and having ever had sex(AOR = 1.96) were significantly associated with the utilization of the services. ConclusionGood knowledge of sexual and reproductive health was observed among the respondents, although misconceptions still exist. Service utilization, however, remains low due to some individual and socio-cultural factors. It is therefore important to increase awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health, and make the services available and affordable to young people for increased uptake.

Maternal and newborn healthcare utilization in Kampala urban slums: perspectives of women, their spouses, and healthcare providers

BackgroundIt is assumed that the health conditions of urban women are superior to their rural counterparts. However, evidence from Asia and Africa, show that poor urban women and their families have worse access to antenatal care and facility childbirth compared to the rural women. The maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates as high as or higher than those in rural areas. In Uganda, maternal and newborn health data reflect similar trend. The aim of the study was to understand factors that influence use of maternal and newborn healthcare in two urban slums of Kampala, Uganda.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda and conducted 60 in-depth interviews with women who had given birth in the 12 months prior to data collection and traditional birth attendants, 23 key informant interviews with healthcare providers, coordinator of emergency ambulances/emergency medical technicians and the Kampala Capital City Authority health team, and 15 focus group discussions with partners of women who gave birth 12 months prior to data collection and community leaders. Data were thematically coded and analyzed using NVivo version 10 software.ResultsThe main determinants that influenced access to and use of maternal and newborn health care in the slum communities included knowledge about when to seek care, decision-making power, financial ability, prior experience with the healthcare system, and the quality of care provided. Private facilities were perceived to be of higher quality, however women primarily sought care at public health facilities due to financial constraints. Reports of disrespectful treatment, neglect, and financial bribes by providers were common and linked to negative childbirth experiences. The lack of adequate infrastructure and basic medical equipment and medicine impacted patient experiences and provider ability to deliver quality care.ConclusionsDespite availability of healthcare, urban women and their families are burdened by the financial costs of health care. Disrespectful and abusive treatment at hands of healthcare providers is common translating to negative healthcare experiences for women. There is a need to invest in quality of care through financial assistance programs, infrastructure improvements, and higher standards of provider accountability are needed.

Improvement of the Environment and Health in Terms of Governance of Slum Settlements through Collaboration Between Stakeholders

Slum settlements are the subject of this research, specifically how better stakeholder collaboration can lead to better environmental and health outcomes. The study's objectives are to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder cooperation in improving the health of slum residents, (2) identify the obstacles to and opportunities for enhancing the environment and health of slum communities, and (3) assess the environmental and health conditions in slum settlements. Access to essential services and infrastructure, environmental pollution, and healthcare availability were all summarized using descriptive statistics. The findings emphasize the immediate need for comprehensive and collaborative approaches to tackling the pressing issues of poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare in slum settlements. Stakeholder collaboration, including that between the government, NGOs, CBOs, and the business sector, is also highlighted as being essential to improving slum dwellers' health and wellbeing. It was also determined that community-led projects, multi-sectoral approaches, and innovative solutions are essential to enhancing the quality of life in informal settlements and reducing health risks. Finally, the research highlights barriers to enhancing the environment and health of slum settlements, such as inadequate access to basic services, pollution, and economic and social exclusion. Taken as a whole, the results of this research stress the critical importance of multidisciplinary efforts to alleviate slums' myriad problems. Sustainable improvements in the environment and health of slum settlements can be achieved through the implementation of innovative solutions and the promotion of cooperation among stakeholders, lowering the disease burden in these communities and fostering social and economic inclusion.

Use, characteristics and influence of lay consultation networks on treatment-seeking decisions in slums of Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesTo describe the use, characteristics and influence of lay consultants on treatment-seeking decisions of adults in slums of Nigeria.DesignCross-sectional survey using a pre-piloted questionnaire.SettingsTwo slum communities in Ibadan city, Nigeria.Participants480...

Health and social needs of older adults in slum communities in Ghana: a phenomenological approach used in 2021

Slum-dwellers lack several essential amenities (such as water, sanitation, and electricity) which make them more vulnerable than non-slum dwellers. As there is limited to no access to health and social care services in slums, the slum environment is expected to be an even more dangerous environment for older adults, negatively impacting their quality of life (QoL). To provide an overview of the perceived (unmet) health and social care needs and how it affects the QoL, this study aims to explore the self-perceived health and social needs of older adults in urban slums in Ghana. Using a phenomenological approach, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and June 2021, in the homes of older adults in two slums in Ghana. After coding and analysing the transcripts, five main themes emerged: (a) perception of health; (b) (de)motivators of health service use; (c) perception of social care, (d) social needs, and (e) influence of phenomena on QoL. It appeared that older adults believed that spiritual powers were causing illnesses and influenced their use of formal health services. Other factors such as expired insurance cards and the attitude of healthcare workers served as demotivators for using health services.Perceived health needs were mainly current disease conditions (arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, vision/hearing challenges), challenges with health insurance, the behaviour of some health professionals, the proximity of health facilities, and unnecessary queues at major health facilities. Unmet social needs identified by this study were a sense of neglect by family (need for companionship), requiring assistance with activities of daily living, and the need for financial support. Participants had more health needs than social needs. Health providers do not usually prioritize the care of slum-dwelling older adults. Most participants still have challenges with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Their social needs were mainly related to financial difficulties and help with some activities of daily living. Participants expressed that they desired companionship (especially the widowed or divorced ones) and the lack of it made them feel lonely and neglected. Home visits by health professionals to older adults should be encouraged to monitor their health condition and advocate for family members to keep older adults company. Healthcare providers should exhibit positive attitudes and educate older patients on the advantages of formal health services use, as well as the need to seek early treatment as this will influence their QoL to a large extent.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance, Attitude and Perception among Slum and Underserved Communities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review summarises the literature on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, including acceptance, uptake, hesitancy, attitude and perceptions among slum and underserved communities. Relevant studies were searched from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, following a pre-registered protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42022355101) and PRISMA guidelines. We extracted data, used random-effects models to combine the vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and uptake rates categorically, and performed meta-regression by R software (version 4.2.1). Twenty-four studies with 30,323 participants met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence was 58% (95% CI: 49-67%) for vaccine acceptance, 23% (95% CI: 13-39%) for uptake and 29% (95% CI: 18-43%) for hesitancy. Acceptance and uptake were positively associated with various sociodemographic factors, including older age, higher education level, male gender, ethnicity/race (e.g., Whites vs African Americans), more knowledge and a higher level of awareness of vaccines, but some studies reported inconsistent results. Safety and efficacy concerns, low-risk perception, long distance to vaccination centres and unfavourable vaccination schedules were prominent reasons for hesitancy. Moreover, varying levels of attitudes and perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccination were reported with existing misconceptions and negative beliefs, and these were strong predictors of vaccination. Infodemic management and continuous vaccine education are needed to address existing misconceptions and negative beliefs, and this should target young, less-educated women and ethnic minorities. Considering mobile vaccination units to vaccinate people at home or workplaces would be a useful strategy in addressing access barriers and increasing vaccine uptake.

Parties, Voters and Political Change in Early Twentieth-Century Manchester: Reconnecting Politics and Society.

In the wake of the linguistic turn the 'new political history' has recognized the importance of both political language and social context. In practice, however, over recent years much political history of the pre-1918 period has become increasingly focused on language and party, relegating society and economy to the margins. This study emphasizes the interconnectedness of party politics and society, arguing that smaller municipal electoral districts offer potential new insights into the impact of religion, class, gender and ethnicity upon both, party policy and practice, and voter behaviour. Parties adapted their campaign strategies and policy stances to reflect their understanding of the social make-up of local electorates. Voter responses to party campaigns could be strongly influenced, but not determined, by individual or group perceptions of social standing. By exploring the connected fortunes of all three major parties new light is shed on the development of local political culture before 1914. The article also assesses the shifting strengths and weaknesses of Conservative, Liberal, and Labour parties, and contributes to historiographical debates on the politics of slum and suburban communities, and the pre-war trajectories of the major parties.

Differential COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake and Associated Factors among the Slum and Estate Communities in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey.

Vaccination against COVID-19 remains one of the ultimate solutions to the ongoing pandemic. This study examined and compared the completion of primary COVID-19 vaccination series and associated factors in the slum and estate communities of Uganda. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1025 slum and estate residents. Logistic regression models were fitted. Of the 1025 participants, 511 were slum residents and 514 were estate residents. Completion of COVID-19 vaccination was 43.8% in the slum community and 39.9% in the estate community (p = 0.03). Having more knowledge about COVID-19 was positively associated with completing COVID-19 vaccination in both communities. Perceived benefits and cues to action also had a positive association, but only among the slum residents. However, perceiving people infected with COVID-19 as having a high death rate, perceived barriers such as serious side effects and long distances, and depressive symptoms had negative associations with vaccine uptake among the slum community, but not in the estate community. Addressing barriers to vaccination, strengthening and utilizing the various cues to action, engagement of religious and cultural leaders, and continued community education and sensitization tailored to the needs of each community are potentially vital strategies in raising vaccination rates. Consideration of socioeconomic impact-alleviation strategies, especially among the urban poor, would also be beneficial.

Urban Slum and Housing Challenges in Lagos: A Look at The Socio -Economic Lifestyle of The Slum Dwellers

The uprising of slums in Lagos has become an issue of concern as a result of the effect it has on the environment and most importantly, the people that live in such slums. The living conditions of the people living in slums is a reflection of the severity of this bedevilling problem. Understanding their living conditions will enable the design of more appropriate models and frameworks for the upgrading and development of slum areas. In this study, the living conditions of the slum dwellers has been investigated as well as their perceived resilience. The study used a quantitative approach to study the phenomenon, and a total sample of 384 respondents was drawn from the population using convenience sampling. Data for the study was collected using survey method, where questionnaires were administered by the researcher to 394 respondents from different households. Data was analysed descriptively using quantitative methods. The findings of the study revealed that the living conditions were deplorable, with lack of good hospitals, portable water, schools, transport, refuse disposal system, and poor electricity supply. In terms of perceived resilience, the findings showed that Fifthly, with regards, the perceived resilience of the urban slum dwellers, it was found that the four dimensions of resilience investigated in this study were present in the slum communities, but they were lacking in an aspect of connection and caring; the findings showed that the slum dwellers were not committed to the wellbeing of their neighbourhood. Hence, the need for improvement in this aspect. Lastly, it was found that the level of resilience of the slum communities was moderate, implying the need for initiatives and interventions that can help in improving the level of resilience.

Drivers of cardiovascular disease risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are increasing in many sub-Saharan African countries and disproportionately affecting communities in urban slums. Despite this, the contextual factors that influence CVD risk among slum communities have not been fully documented to guide interventions to prevent and control the disease. Objective This study explored the drivers of CVD risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This qualitative study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data among slum residents. A total of 10 FGDs separate for gender and age group were held in community public places. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and transcripts analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas ti 7.0. Study themes and sub-themes are presented supported by participant quotations. Results Five themes highlighted the drivers of CVD risk factors in slum communities. (1) Poverty: a critical underlying factor which impacted access and choice of food, work, and housing. (2) Poverty-induced stress: a key intermediate factor that led to precarious living with smoking and alcohol use as coping measures. (3) The social environment which included socialisation through drinking and smoking, and family and peers modelling behaviours. (4) The physical environment such as the high availability of affordable alcohol and access to amenities for physical activity and healthy foods. (5) Knowledge and information about CVD risk factors which included understanding of a healthy diet and the dangers of smoking and alcohol consumption. Conclusion To address CVD risk in slums, broad-ranging multisectoral interventions are required, including economic empowerment of the slum population, stress reduction and coping interventions, and alcohol legislation. Also, there is a need for community CVD sensitisation and screening as well as increasing access to physical activity amenities and healthy foods within slums.