How does pedestrian head-loading affect the health of women and children in sub-Saharan Africa?
- Date:
- June 26, 2013
- Source:
- University of Huddersfield
- Summary:
- A new paper looks at how the practice of head-loading can affect the health of women and children, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
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A Huddersfield researcher has co-authored a paper that looks at how the practice of head-loading can affect the health of women and children, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa
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.
Professor Kim Buton of the University of Huddersfield, has coauthored an international study to look at the health impacts that this practice can have.
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.
The paper reports 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.
Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Huddersfield. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Gina Porter, Kate Hampshire, Christine Dunn, Richard Hall, Martin Levesley, Kim Burton, Steve Robson, Albert Abane, Mwenza Blell, Julia Panther. Health impacts of pedestrian head-loading: A review of the evidence with particular reference to women and children in sub-Saharan Africa. Social Science & Medicine, 2013; 88: 90 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.04.010
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