Prevalence trends of wood use as the main cooking fuel in Mexico, 1990-2013

Hernández-Garduño, Eduardo; Gómez-García, Eva; Campos-Gómez, Saúl

Abstract:

Objective: To determine prevalence trends of using Wood as the Main Cooking Fuel (WMCF) in Mexico and household characteristics that predict its use.

Materials and methods:

Estimates were obtained from the 1990, 2000 and 2010 censuses and from a national survey performed in 2012 and 2013.

Results:

In 2012-2013, 9.5% of the 66 321 surveyed households and 10.9% of their 252 011 residents used WMCF. Prevalence was higher in rural (40.5%) than urban areas (1.5%), p<0.0001. From 1990 to 2013 wood use decreased by 53% overall and by 28.6% in rural areas, gas use increased respectively by 17.5 and 52.7%. Predictors of using WMCF were living in rural or suburban areas and those associated with low socioeconomic status.

Conclusion:

Use of WMCF has decreased substantially in Mexico but at a slower pace in rural areas. Improving household characteristics and socioeconomic status may decrease use of WMCF at a higher rate.

Resumen:

Objetivo: Determinar las tendencias temporales de prevalencia del uso de leña utilizada para cocinar (ULPC) y características del hogar que lo predicen.

Material y métodos:

. Los estimados se obtuvieron de los censos 1990, 2000 y 2010 y de la encuesta nacional de 2012-2013.

Resultados:

En el periodo 2012-2013, 9.5% de los 66 321 hogares y 10.9% de sus 252 011 residentes usaron LPC. La prevalencia fue mayor en áreas rurales (40.5%) que las urbanas (1.5%), p<0.0001. De 1990 a 2013 el ULPC disminuyó 53% en todo el país y 28.6% en áreas rurales. Contrariamente, el uso de gas incrementó 17.5 y 52.7% respectivamente. Los predictores del ULPC fueron el vivir en áreas rurales o suburbanas, y aquellos asociados al nivel socioeconómico bajo.

Conclusión:

El ULPC ha disminuido pero a ritmo lento en las áreas rurales de México. Mejorar las características del hogar y nivel socioeconómico pudiera disminuir el ULPC a mayor ritmo.