title: Health impacts of pedestrian head-loading: a review of the evidence with particular reference to women and children in sub-Saharan Africa.
abstract: Across sub-Saharan Africa, women and children play major roles as pedestrian load-transporters, in the widespread absence of basic sanitation services, electricity and affordable/reliable motorised transport. The majority of loads, including water and firewood for domestic purposes, are carried on the head. Load-carrying has implications not only for school attendance and performance, women's time budgets and gender relations, but arguably also for health and well-being. We report findings from a comprehensive review of relevant literature, undertaken June-September 2012, focussing particularly on biomechanics, maternal health, and the psycho-social impacts of load-carrying; we also draw from our own research. Key knowledge gaps and areas for future research are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Durham University, Department of Anthropology, Dawson Building, Science Site, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. r.e.porter@durham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hampshire
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Levesley
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burton
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abane
authors.forename: Mwenza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blell
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Panther
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000502:physiology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011593:Psychology, Social; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*