Urbanization and human health in urban India: institutional analysis of water-borne diseases in Ahmedabad

Abstract

Diseases are rapidly urbanizing. Ageing infrastructures, high levels of inequality, poor urban governance, rapidly growing economies and highly dense and mobile populations all create environments rife for water-borne diseases. This article analyzes the role of institutions as crosscutting entities among a myriad of factors that breed water-borne diseases in the city of Ahmedabad, India. It applies 'path dependency' and a 'rational choice' perspective to understand the factors facilitating the breeding of diseases. This study is based on household surveys of approximately 327 households in two case study wards and intermittent interviews with key informants over a period of 2 years. Principle component analysis is applied to reduce the data and convert a set of observations, which potentially correlate with each other, into components. Institutional analyses behind these components reveal the role of social actors in exploiting the deeply rooted inefficiencies affecting urban health. This has led to a vicious cycle; breaking this cycle requires understanding the political dynamics that underlie the exposure and prevalence of diseases to improve urban health.

Are cities good for health? A study of the impacts of planned urbanization in China

“…(1-4) On the other hand, rapid, unplanned and unregulated urbanisation in developing countries is also associated with a range of factors that are harmful to health and mental health including environmental hazards, such as air pollution and water pollution, poor quality housing, lack of sanitation, road-traffic injuries and traffic noise. (2,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) In addition, urbanisation is also associated with increasing consumption of processed and energy rich foods and a sedentary lifestyle; these factors can lead to obesity which is associated with higher risks of suffering from diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. (10,(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21) Thus, theories on the impact of urbanisation on health, and health-related outcomes, in developing countries is controversial, findings vary according to the particular context and the health outcome considered.…”

Children and handwashing: Developing a resource to promote health and well-being in low and middle income countries

“…Looking at Ahmedabad specifically, the ‘city has a population of approximately 5.6 million, which is projected to increase to approximately 7.5 million by 2021’ (Saravanan et al, 2016: 1090), and among other Indian cities is ranked 19th in its improvement of water supplies and sanitation services in 2009–2010 (Urban Management Center [UMC], 2012). However, despite this ranking, disease and illness ‘continue to reoccur and persist’ (Saravanan et al, 2016: 1090), highlighting the need for handwashing education within the city.…”

The Association between Urbanization and Depression among the Middle-Aged and Elderly: A Longitudinal Study in China

“…The environmental hazards included air pollutions, water pollution, insufficient greenspace, traffic noise, poor housing, lack of sanitation, overcrowding, etc. [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48] The stressful events could refer to job loss and competition, mortgage pressure and residential relocation, etc. [49][50][51][52] At least partially of these stressors are possible to be intervened and moderated by policies, thus governments should shoulder the responsibilities to address some of the stressors by well-planned urbanization.…”