Bridging health and environment: Clean fuel access and tuberculosis in India
Keywords:
clean cooking fuels; air pollution; indoor air quality (IAQ); health outcomes tuberculosis (TB); Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana; socio-economic factorsAbstract
Air pollution, both outdoor and indoor, is a major health risk, contributing to diseases like respiratory infections, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children, women, and the elderly. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) due to cooking, heating, and inadequate ventilation is a significant concern, especially in low-income countries where solid fuels like biomass and coal worsen pollution. Long-term exposure leads to chronic conditions such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while immediate effects include respiratory infections and headaches. IAQ also affects the spread of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in areas with poor healthcare. This study examines the link between access to clean cooking fuels and TB incidence in India, using data from 2000 to 2022. It explores whether improved access to clean fuels reduces TB rates, considering factors like health expenditure and community health workers. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression, and time series analysis were employed. The data reveals a steady increase in access to clean cooking fuels, from 22.6% in 2000 to 74.5% in 2022, with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana likely contributing. TB incidence declined from 322 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 199 cases per 100,000 in 2022. Regression analysis shows a strong inverse relationship, explaining 94.1% of TB variance. However, socio-economic issues like poverty and illiteracy remain barriers, hindering TB control. India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, targeting an 80% reduction in incidence. While progress has been made, improving IAQ with clean cooking technologies like Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is crucial. Policies should focus on subsidies, alternative energy solutions, and rural infrastructure to achieve TB elimination and sustainable development goals.
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