Public perceptions of vehicular traffic emissions on health risk in Lagos metropolis Nigeria: A critical survey.

The perception and behavior of the public is key in reducing Traffic-related air pollution health burdens which has become an increasingly alarming problem in many cities across the globe. The study assessed the perception of the public about vehicle traffic emissions and the health hazard associated with them in Lagos, Nigeria using structured questionnaires. Multivariate statistical analysis and structural equation modeling were performed to determine the factors that were associated with the participant's perception of traffic air pollution and the health risks it presents. The findings revealed the majority (78.9%) of the respondents were aware of the haze air pollution from vehicles and its adverse effects on health. The regression model showed a significant relationship between age, education status, employment status, road proximity, vehicle ownership and air pollution awareness (P < 0.05). However, the structural equation model SEM revealed that age, gender, marital status, education, employment status, and road proximity showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) and indicated a linear relationship to vehicular emissions perception. The findings suggest the need to increase public education for all ages and especially for roadside residents on the effects of prolonged exposure and long-term effects of transport-related air pollution and associated risk. The result is applicable in many developing cities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Effect of speed humps on injury consequences on trunk roads traversing towns in Ghana: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Speed calming interventions have been employed globally as a road safety measure to curb outcomes of RTCs such as injuries and deaths. In Ghana, few studies have reported on the effect of speed calming measures on the severity of road traffic injuries. This study examined the effect of speed humps on the severity of injuries during RTCs on trunk roads passing through towns in Ghana from 2011 to 2020. METHODS: The study employed a quasi-experimental before-and-after study with controls design to answer the research questions. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. Univariable and multivariable ordered logistic regression was used to examine the effect of speed humps on the severity of injuries during RTCs. RESULTS: The mean height, length and spacing of the speed humps were 10.9 cm, 7.67 m and 207.17 m, respectively. Fatal/serious/minor injuries were 35% higher at the intervention than the control settlements prior to installation of speed humps though not significant (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.35, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.14). A significant change in injury severity occurred after the installation of the speed hump devices. There was a reduction of 77% in fatal/serious/minor injuries at the intervention towns compared with the control towns (aOR=0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.47). CONCLUSION: The findings present evidence suggesting that speed hump is an effective road safety measure in reducing the severity of road traffic injuries on trunk roads.

Bicycle ownership and utilization in Tamale Metropolis; influencing factors and impacts to sustainable transport.

The study seeks to identify bicycle ownership and ridership and gain insights into how demographics, perceptions and experiences of respondents influenced the status of cycling in Tamale Metropolis. Earlier studies have focused on examining the determinants of utility cycling among adults in the same metropolis, but this study assesses cycling from a broader perspective in terms of demographics, barriers, and promotional strategies. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 500 semi-structured questionnaires through mainly a face-to-face approach. Five trained survey assistants administered the questionnaires within demarcated zones in the metropolis and tracked participants by geographic information system. Binary logistic regression, chi-squared test and descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis of the data. Out of the 439 valid questionnaires, bicycle ownership and ridership were 56% and 78% respectively. Gender and occupation were significant in owning and riding bicycles, where p < 0.05. Males and the non-income earners (i.e., students, apprentices and unemployed) were more likely to ride and own bicycles. Cycling was prevalent among low-income individuals and in households where bicycles were available. The major motivation of bicycle riders was affordability. Age was statistically insignificant to owning or riding bicycles since every age group cycled as much. Despite the existing infrastructure provision for cycling and its associated benefits, there is a latent desire to shift from bicycles by 85% of the riders. A chi-square test conducted revealed that the desire to shift from bicycle use was independent of one's gender, age and occupation, but associated with bicycle ownership. Moreover, speed, fatigue endured in riding and inadequate infrastructure were mentioned as part of the factors that discourage cycling. This study, therefore, recommends government interventions such as a reduction in bicycle cost, and the introduction of electric bicycles to meet the respondents' transport needs of speed and travelling with less fatigue.