Abstract

MORA ALVARAD, Darner  and  FELIPE PORTUGUEZ, Carlos. Sanitation as related to children´s health in the world context 2004. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2008, vol.17, n.33, pp.56-66. ISSN 1409-1429.

The worldwide effect on mortality in children under five years of age (MR < 5 years ) is determined for the different types of excreta disposal (ED) coverage, as defined in the framework of "Improved Sanitation Facilities (ISF)", established by the WHO and UNICEF. To accomplish this, ED coverage data was collected from 161 countries participating in the "Joint Monitoring Programme" in 2004. The mortality rates were obtained from "Progress for Children: A Balance on Water and Sanitation". ISF data were classified as: total (total-ISF), sewage (DEA), septic tanks and latrines (DET and L), and without services (DESS). Three statistical methods were applied: frequency distribution between the intervals of both variables, Pearson´s simple correlation between the types of excreta evacuation and the MR<5 years, and partial correlation at 95% confidence but controlling the variables. Results indicate that as total coverage (total-ISF) increases, there is a lower incidence of mortality (MR < 5 years), with a correlation of -0,782; while DEA coverage has a greater impact over mortality decrease as compared to DET and L. The results are ratified with the other statistical tests and prove the hypothesis.

Keywords : excreta; sanitation; mortality; septic tank; latrine; under-5 mortality rate.

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