The effect of urbanisation on health in a mining area of Sierra Leone

Abstract

1. This section describes a study on the effect on health of urbanisation in Lunsar, Sierra Leone, using sampling techniques and health indicators. • 2. Data collected in preliminary studies are described. • 3. The Lunsar Health Centre Records, Birth and Death Registers, and Burial Record Book were examined and found to give data which were unreliable for use or modification in assessing the health of the town. • 4. A 10% sample Census of Lunsar was carried out, and the extracted data were discussed. • 5. A 40% Clinical Sample of the Census Sample was drawn and a total of 380 persons were examined clinically. The extracted data were analysed. • 6. Using morbidity and survival data as indices it was found that the 'urban' part of Lunsar's population, namely that section living on a wage packet, was better off in respect of those indices than the 'rural' section of the community. • 7. Data were also collected on environmental conditions such as housing, including overcrowding, water supplies and disposal of excreta. • 8. The mentally and physically handicapped persons in Lunsar were discussed

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