Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to analyse the perception of waterborne diseases and socioeconomic and environmental aspects of Quilombolas in vulnerable communities in Northeast Brazil, as the research was conducted in three vulnerable communities located in this area. The study was sectional regarding quantitative approach and was carried out from September 2018–August 2019 through interviews with 164 individuals and the analysis of drinking water quality. The highest prevalence was intestinal parasitic diseases (57%), primarily Schistosoma mansoni (20%). The interviews revealed that 27% of individuals used drinking water from the general distribution network and 26% from a well/spring outside the residence. Of these, 39% did not undergo any treatment before ingestion. Of the 10 water samples collected for microbiological analysis, there was growth of heterotrophic bacteria (53%), faecal coliforms (50%) and thermotolerant bacteria (7%). Study participants were subject to environmental characteristics that made them vulnerable to health issues. The promotion of health actions and the implementation of measures related to the treatment and storage of drinking water are tools that can combat the occurrence of diseases.
Highlights
In many countries, socially disadvantaged groups have limited access to health resources; they get sick and die earlier than those in more privileged social classes (Irwin et al, 2006)
Regarding the social and environmental conditions and sanitary facilities, it was possible to observe that houses of the population analysed existed on paved streets (81.7%), with domestic water supply coming from the general distribution network (78.0%) through water pipes (89.6%), the supply for which 68.2% of the individuals do not pay
Similar to previous studies linking socioeconomic status to the limited political power, these results indicate that race and socioeconomic status may serve as important potential factors influencing disparities in access to water supply and sanitary sewage (Cutter, 1995; Heaney et al, 2011)
Summary
Socially disadvantaged groups have limited access to health resources; they get sick and die earlier than those in more privileged social classes (Irwin et al, 2006). There are other unfavorable indicators restricting access to information and the difficulty of accessing basic services, such as water supply and sewage (Bezerra et al, 2015). The lack or inadequacy of these services contribute to low indices in health indicators, resulting in injuries or parasitic infectious diseases (Thomas et al, 2011; Karanis et al, 2006). It is estimated that that 8–10 people living in rural areas do not have access to safe drinking water and sewage, and are disproportionately underserved. In 2017, 785 million people around the world still required basic services, with 2.2 billion lacking access to safe and sustainable water supplies, 4.2 billion lacking access to safe sanitation services, and 3 billion without facilities for basic hygiene habits (ONU, 2019)
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