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Health impacts of pedestrian head-loading: A review of the evidence with particular reference to women and children in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Porter, Gina
  • Hampshire, Kate
  • Dunn, Christine
  • Hall, Richard
  • Levesley, Martin
  • Burton, Kim
  • Robson, Steve
  • Abane, Albert
  • Blell, Mwenza
  • Panther, Julia

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Porter, Gina & Hampshire, Kate & Dunn, Christine & Hall, Richard & Levesley, Martin & Burton, Kim & Robson, Steve & Abane, Albert & Blell, Mwenza & Panther, Julia, 2013. "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, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 90-97.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:88:y:2013:i:c:p:90-97
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.04.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sorenson, Susan B. & Morssink, Christiaan & Campos, Paola Abril, 2011. "Safe access to safe water in low income countries: Water fetching in current times," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(9), pages 1522-1526, May.
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    3. Porter, Gina, 2002. "Living in a Walking World: Rural Mobility and Social Equity Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 285-300, February.
    4. Porter, Gina & Hampshire, Kate & Abane, Albert & Munthali, Alister & Robson, Elsbeth & Mashiri, Mac & Tanle, Augustine & Maponya, Goodhope & Dube, Sipho, 2012. "Child Porterage and Africa’s Transport Gap: Evidence from Ghana, Malawi and South Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(10), pages 2136-2154.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Aybüke Koyuncu & Jillian L. Kadota & Agatha Mnyippembe & Prosper F. Njau & Tula Ram Sijali & Sandra I. McCoy & Michael N. Bates & Carisa Harris-Adamson & Ndola Prata, 2021. "Heavy Load Carrying and Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse among Women in Tanzania and Nepal: An Exploratory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-12, January.
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    7. Tanu Priya Uteng & Jeff Turner, 2019. "Addressing the Linkages between Gender and Transport in Low- and Middle-Income Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-34, August.

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