ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the accessibility construction status of road traffic sidewalks in Shanghai. Methods:From July to September, 2019, 46 road traffic sidewalks in Shanghai were selected using a convenience sampling, and evaluation tools were designed based on the Codes for Accessibility Design (GB 50763-2012) and Standards for Design on Accessibility of Buildings and Facilities (DGJ08-103-2003). After field check and experience for the sidewalks, the compliance rates of evaluation dimensions and evaluation contents of sidewalks were analyzed using the descriptive analysis. The weights of each dimension were calculated using the principal component analysis to construct the sidewalk comprehensive barrier score model, and to compare the sidewalk comprehensive barrier scores in different areas of Shanghai. From September to November 2019, in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven persons with disabilities to understand the sidewalk barriers for them. Results:The overall compliance rate of sidewalk accessibility was 4.35%. Among the evaluated contents, 93.5% sidewalks had a curb ramp, 91.3% had a height difference between the ramp and the carriageway, 26.1% were not paved with tactile ground surface indicators; 71.7% tactile ground surface indicators were blocked by poles, etc., and 84.8% were occupied by obstacles. The warning indicator was the greatest weight among the evaluated dimensions. The barrier of sidewalks was high (36.7%) and medium (20.0%) in the central area, which was higher than that in the sub-central area (both 6.3%) (P < 0.05). There were many obstacles during the experience of sidewalks using, resulting in less using of the barrier-free facilities. Conclusion:Most of the sidewalks in Shanghai do not meet the standards of the Codes for Accessibility Design. It is urgent to construct and maintain the barrier-free facilities.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension is a global public health problem in both developed and developing countries. It is estimated that 75% of the world hypertensive patients in 2025 will be in developing countries including Nigeria. There is need to understand the nature of the epidemic and institute control measures to reverse the increasing tide of the disease in developing countries. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out among Lagos residents between May and June 2012 in four Local Government Areas namely Alimosho, Mushin, Ajegunle/Ifelodun and Kosofe. The study variables were age, sex, occupation, education, marital status, religion and BMI while the outcome variable were frequency of hypertension and mean blood pressure. Statistical analysis included the use of proportions, percentages, chi-square, ‘t’ test and logistic regression using SPSS version 21 Results: A total of 4088 adults aged between 20-81 years (male = 1465 and females= 2623) were included in this study. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 40.9%. Hypertension increased with age in both males and females. Of the 1673 respondents identified as having hypertension, only 316 (18.9%) respondents were previously aware of their diagnosis. Of the 316 known hypertensive patients, only 20 (6.3%) had their blood pressure within the normal range. Age, gender, marital status and BMI were socio-demographic factors associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and obesity were found to be high in Lagos state. The need for public health actions to avert the consequences of the high prevalence of hypertension.cannot be over-emphasized.