Water insecurity and urban poverty in the Global South: Implications for health and human biology

Water insecurity and urban poverty in the Global South: Implications for health and human biology

Publication Year:
2019
Authors:
Adams, Ellis A.; Stoler, Justin; Adams, Yenupini
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Journal Article
This article reflects on the interactions between water insecurity and urban poverty in the Global South across four categories of health outcomes: gastrointestinal diseases, mosquito-borne diseases, injuries, and mental illness.
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Resource Information

Abstract

Over half of the world’s population (4 billion people) experience severe water scarcity at least one month per year, while half a billion people experience severe water scarcity throughout the year. Despite progress from national and global interventions, a staggering proportion of the Global South remains water insecure. Rapid urban growth and associated demographic changes, climate change, and governance failure have also fostered the growth and expansion of urban informal settlements and slums where widespread poverty and environmental hazards exacerbate the impact of water insecurity on health. This article reflects on the interactions between water insecurity and urban poverty in the Global South across four categories of health outcomes: gastrointestinal diseases, mosquito-borne diseases, injuries, and mental illness. These examples highlight the mechanisms through which urban poverty exacerbates the adverse health effects of water insecurity.

Resource Type

Journal Article

Publication Year

2019

Author

Adams, Ellis A.; Stoler, Justin; Adams, Yenupini

Language

English

University Affiliation

Georgia State University, University of Miami, Kennesaw State University

Business Connect Takeaways

The article examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and body mass index (BMI) among adults in the United States. The authors find that individuals with lower SES tend to have higher BMIs than those with higher SES, and that this relationship is stronger among women than men.
The authors suggest that several factors may contribute to the SES-BMI relationship, including differences in access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and exposure to stress and other environmental factors that can affect weight.
The article highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes, including obesity, through policies and programs that promote healthy behaviors and environments. The authors suggest that interventions that target multiple levels of influence, from individual behavior to community and policy environments, may be most effective in reducing obesity and related health disparities.

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