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Environmental health experiences in prolonged displacement: A systematic scoping review of challenges and interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) Iqbal, Kashif; Liang, Hu; Alam, Sunana; Asif, Muhammad
Dynamics of Rural Society Journal Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Dynamics of Rural Society Journal
Publisher : Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Gorontalo State University, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37905/drsj.v4i1.88

Abstract

Providing adequate environmental health services is crucial in contexts of forced displacement, where over 70 million people—mostly in urban or informal settlements—often face prolonged displacement with limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH). The presence of these unmet needs of environmental health leads to a greater likelihood of falling sick, social unrest, and long-term inequality. Although the magnitude of the crisis is tremendous, there is a lack of in-depth understanding of the environmental health situation and responses in the context of long-term displacement. The proposed article will thus synthesize the currently available knowledge base on environmental health in prolonged displacement contexts, identify key conditions and issues, and provide suggestions for future action. This study employed a systematic scoping review methodology that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted of 212 peer-reviewed studies, institutional reports (also known as gray literature, which refers to materials published outside of academic journals, such as NGO reports and working papers). The findings indicate that research on water, sanitation, and overcrowding has found substantial evidence, whereas other environmental health domains, including waste disposal, feminine hygiene, and air quality, have extremely low representation. Issues that have been faced are institutional fragmentation, lack of funds, and political constraints, which impede the sustainable provision of services. Excessive exposure to waterborne and respiratory diseases, as well as poor environmental conditions and failure to adhere to international humanitarian standards, are also highlighted as significant issues in the review. The paper emphasizes the importance of inclusive environmental health policies, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and ongoing planning and management. It recommends integrating displaced populations into national systems, prioritizing critical health areas, and strengthening evidence to guide policy and practice—key steps to ensuring dignity, equity, and resilience in protracted displacement.
Community Coping Strategies for Protecting Health During Waterlogging Disasters: A Sociological Perspective from the Indus River Region of Sindh Bhutto, Shahnaz; Talpur, Basit Ali; Alam, Sunana; Akhtar, Farhan
Symbiohealth Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025)
Publisher : Civiliza Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59525/symbiohealth.1169

Abstract

Waterlogging is a recurring public health and environmental challenge in the lower Indus River region of Sindh, where stagnant water creates widespread health risks and disrupts daily life. This study examines the coping strategies adopted by local communities to protect their health during waterlogging disasters. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from 300 households with qualitative insights from 30 interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative findings show that diarrhea (71.3%), skin infections (59.3%), and malaria (52%) were the most commonly reported health problems. The most widely used coping practices included the use of ORS (72.3%), mosquito nets or coils (67.7%), and boiling drinking water (63%). Regression analysis revealed significant predictors of effective coping, including income level (B = 0.21, p = 0.001), education (B = 0.17, p = 0.004), social support (B = 0.29, p < 0.001), and access to healthcare (B = 0.14, p = 0.030), collectively explaining a meaningful proportion of coping effectiveness. Qualitative findings further indicated that community support, traditional remedies, economic hardship, and perceived government neglect strongly shape how residents respond to waterlogging. Overall, the study highlights the need for public health policies that integrate community knowledge, address structural barriers, and strengthen local resilience in disaster-affected regions.