Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects
Department
Biology
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, such as Kenya. Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is influenced by a variety of factors such as diet, tobacco use, and genetics. One such factor linked to hypertension is exposure to air pollution, but minimal research exists on the effects of household air pollution. Hypertension that is not related to common Western risk indicators, such as waist-to-hip ratio, body mass indices, and hypercholestorlemia, is prevalent in the community of Kasigau, Kenya, along with the prevalence of risks for household air pollution exposure such as cooking with solid fuel types. A survey was conducted in Kasigau to assess the extent of biomass fuel consumption. No significant relationship was found between blood pressure and factors such as fuel type and ventilation practices (e.g. chimney presence and kitchen location), but numerous risk factors for household air pollution exposure were identified.
Advisor(s) or Committee Chair
Dr. Michael Stokes
Disciplines
Biology | Public Health
Recommended Citation
Hounshell, Conner, "Assessing Biomass Fuel Consumption in Kasigau, Kenya as a Predictor of Hypertension" (2020). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 839.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/839