A Systematic Review of Clean Cooking Transitions and Respiratory Health Outcomes in Women and Children in Ghana: An African Perspective, 2021–2026

Abstract

This systematic literature review critically evaluates evidence from 2021 to 2026 on the impact of transitioning to clean cooking fuels on respiratory health outcomes among women and children in Ghana. The persistent reliance on polluting solid fuels for domestic energy across sub-Saharan Africa constitutes a major public health burden, disproportionately affecting these vulnerable groups. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar. Studies were screened against pre-defined inclusion criteria, focusing on primary research linking clean cooking interventions—such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or improved cookstoves—to respiratory morbidity. The synthesis indicates a consistent, positive association between adopting clean cooking technologies and a reduced incidence of acute respiratory infections, chronic cough, and related symptoms in both demographics. Crucially, the review appraises methodological rigour, noting variations in study design and measurement that qualify the strength of this evidence. Furthermore, it identifies significant barriers to sustained adoption, including fuel cost volatility and supply chain inconsistencies, which curtail long-term health benefits. These findings underscore the need for integrated policies that combine targeted technology dissemination with robust economic support and infrastructure development. The review concludes that while clean cooking transitions present a viable pathway for improving respiratory health, realising their full potential requires addressing the socio-economic constraints that hinder sustained use.

Key Points