ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the contributions of the socioeconomic, hygienic, and sanitation improvements in reducing the prevalence of diarrhea in a city of the Amazon. METHODS In this population-based cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from surveys conducted in the city of Jordão, Acre. In 2005 and 2012, these surveys evaluated, respectively, 466 and 826 children under five years old. Questionnaires were applied on the socioeconomic conditions, construction of houses, food and hygienic habits, and environmental sanitation. We applied Pearson’s Chi-squared […]

OBJECTIVE: To assess health status determinants in Brazil’s Northeast states. METHODS: Study carried out based on panel data analysis of aggregated information for municipalities. Data was obtained from the United Nations Development Program Atlas of Human Development and Brazilian National Treasury Department for the years 1991 and 2000. Health status indicator was infant mortality rate and health determinants were the following variables: per capita health and sanitation expenditure; number of physicians per inhabitant; access to drinking water; fertility rate; illiteracy […]

INTRODUCTION: Factors associated with precarious living and environmental conditions are frequently cited as major obstacles for the control of cholera outbreaks and epidemics. The purposes of the study are to evaluate the contribution of factors associated with the population living conditions and correlate the environmental problems with the onset of cholera and its subsequent impact. METHODS: Using a multiple linear regression by the backward stepwise method, and with the researcher’s interaction, the study correlated socioeconomic indicators with cholera incidence rates […]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the pollution of water bodies by domestic sewage and to evaluate the basic sanitation conditions of residences and the knowledge of the local population concerning intestinal parasitic diseases and the hazards they present to public health. METHODS: Thirteen water samples were collected from each of four sites in different water bodies of the Bairro da Serra region, in Iporanga, São Paulo State. Rates of total and fecal coliforms were measured and median values were presented so as […]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of town planning, infrastructure, sanitation and rainfall on the bacteriological quality of domestic water supplies. METHODS: Water samples obtained from deep and shallow wells, boreholes and public taps were cultured to determine the most probable number of Escherichia coli and total coliform using the multiple tube technique. Presence of enteric pathogens was detected using selective and differential media. Samples were collected during both periods of heavy and low rainfall and from municipalities that are unique […]