Health Perceptions of Smart Meter Liquefied Petroleum Gas Users in Nairobi's Informal Settlement

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Household air pollution (HAP) from cooking with polluting fuels increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases. The use of a smart-meter liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model that eliminates cost barriers may increase the use of LPG, reduce HAP exposure, and lower the burden of respiratory diseases. Lack of awareness of the effects of HAP is a barrier to the exclusive use of LPG. This cross-sectional study examined smart meter users' awareness of air quality and perception of health risks associated with HAP among PAYG customers in Mukuru informal settlement, Nairobi Kenya.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study targeted household customers who have been cooking with PAYG LPG for at least two years. Surveys (n=330) and focus group discussions (FGDs) (n=32) participants were selected using multistage and purposive sampling techniques respectively. Quantitative and qualitative data were descriptively and thematically analyzed using STATA and NVIVO respectively.

CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION

Results highlighted the potential for the smart-meter LPG (PAYG) model for exclusive adoption of LPG especially in the informal settlement and recommended the need to create awareness of the negative effects of HAP.