Distance threshold for the effect of urban agriculture on elevated self-reported malaria prevalence in Accra, Ghana

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2009 Apr;80(4):547-54.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Agriculture*
  • Demography*
  • Female
  • Ghana / epidemiology
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Malaria / epidemiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Refuse Disposal
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Population*
  • Young Adult