Distance threshold for the effect of urban agriculture on elevated self-reported malaria prevalence in Accra, Ghana.
Irrigated urban agriculture (UA), which has helped alleviate poverty and increase food security in rapidly urbanizing sub-Saharan Africa, may inadvertently support malaria vectors. Previous studies have not identified a variable distance effect on malaria prevalence from UA. This study examines the relationships between self-reported malaria information for 3,164 women surveyed in Accra, Ghana, in 2003, and both household characteristics and proximity to sites of UA. Malaria self-reports are associated with age, education, overall health, socioeconomic status, and solid waste disposal method. The odds of self-reported malaria are significantly higher for women living within 1 km of UA compared with all women living near an irrigation source, the association disappearing beyond this critical distance. Malaria prevalence is often elevated in communities within 1 km of UA despite more favorable socio-economic characteristics than communities beyond 1 km. Neighborhoods within 1 km of UA should be reconsidered as a priority for malaria-related care.
Stoler
Justin
J
Department of Geography, San Diego State University, California 92182, USA. stoler@rohan.sdsu.edu
Weeks
John R
JR
Getis
Arthur
A
Hill
Allan G
AG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000383:Agriculture; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult