Influence of Environmental Deprivation and Socioeconomic Inequality on Waterborne Disease Burden among Informal Urban Settlements

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and environmental degradation have intensified public health inequalities in informal urban settlements, particularly regarding access to safe water, sanitation, and healthy living conditions. This quantitative study examined the influence of environmental deprivation and socioeconomic inequality on the burden of waterborne diseases among residents of informal urban settlements. The study investigated how poor environmental conditions, including inadequate sanitation infrastructure, unsafe water sources, overcrowding, waste accumulation, and limited drainage systems, contributed to the prevalence of water-related illnesses. Additionally, the research assessed the role of socioeconomic inequality in shaping differential exposure to environmental health risks and healthcare access. The study further demonstrated that low-income populations faced disproportionate environmental and health risks due to structural inequalities and inadequate urban governance. The findings highlight the interconnected nature of poverty, environmental injustice, and public health disparities in informal settlements. The study recommends inclusive urban health policies, improved sanitation infrastructure, equitable resource distribution, and community-based environmental interventions to reduce waterborne disease burdens among vulnerable urban populations