Systems connectivity between social, cultural and economic factors and housing environments associated with TB transmission in slums

Abstract

Several studies have shown that the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection in slums is high due to their overcrowded nature and deplorable housing conditions. This paper investigated a wider connectivity between housing environments and social, cultural and economic factors and used a system engineering approach to build a generic model to estimate the TB transmission risk and to facilitate the application of urban planning and engineering to improve the health of slums. Key factors were identified through literature review, while the Wells and Riley equation, which formulates the kinetics of TB transmission, was used to define the engineering parameters. A systems map was developed using a systems engineering tool, STELLA, enhancing visualisation and quantification of the impact these factors have on the housing performance.

Keywords:

• TB transmission
• systems engineering
• housing environments
• social
• cultural and economic factors

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, EPSRC, UK. Grant Reference: EP/G029881/1.