"They're always there": resident experiences of living with rats in a disadvantaged urban neighbourhood.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The presence of urban rats in the neighbourhood environment may negatively impact the physical and mental health of residents. Our study sought to describe the experiences with, perceptions of, and feelings towards rats and rat control efforts among a group of disadvantaged urban residents in Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were held with 20 members of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) recruited by VANDU staff. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants reported daily sightings of rats and close contact during encounters. Participants generally disliked encountering rats, raising issues of health and safety for themselves and the community due to the belief tha

SUBMITTER: Byers KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6604318 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature