‘We live in fear and face endless physical and emotional health problems’: Perceived health implications of floods among urban households in Ghana

Abstract

Urban flooding significantly affects the health and well-being of populations, yet its health impacts remain underexplored in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper investigates the health effects of recurring floods on households in Greater Kumasi through a qualitative study involving 55 purposively selected household heads. The findings reveal substantial negative health consequences, including immediate and medium-term issues such as injuries, bodily pain, fatigue, skin infections, upper respiratory diseases, diarrhoea, typhoid fever, and fatalities from drowning. Additionally, the study highlights a high prevalence of long-term psychological distress among affected households. The findings highlight the under-researched nexus between flooding and health in SSA and underscore the need for more vigorous institutional enforcement of land-use regulations, public education and collaborative health interventions involving the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders. These measures are critical for reducing the health risks of floods and building resilience in vulnerable communities.