Household crowding, social mixing patterns and respiratory symptoms in seven countries of the African meningitis belt.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To describe the variation in household crowding and social mixing patterns in the African meningitis belt and to assess any association with self-reported recent respiratory symptoms.

Methods

In 2010, the African Meningococcal Carriage Consortium (MenAfriCar) conducted cross-sectional surveys in urban and rural areas of seven countries. The number of household members, rooms per household, attendance at social gatherings and meeting places were recorded. Associations with self-reported recent respiratory symptoms were analysed by univariate and multivariate regression models.

Results

The geometric mean people per room ranged from 1.9 to 2.8 between Ghana and Ethiopia respectively. Attendance at different types of social gatherings was variable by country, r

SUBMITTER: Ferraro CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4079295 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature