Abstract

SANCHEZ BONILLA, Yendry  and  ALEJANDRO CHAMIZO GARCIA, Horacio. The socio-environmental determinants of malaria in the town of Matina in Costa Rica. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.2, pp.50-57. ISSN 1409-1429.

Objective: To analyze the status of malaria and some of its environmental and social determinants in the town of Matina, in the Matina municipality in Costa Rica. Methods: We considered the cases of malaria in the year 2007 and implemented a cross-sectional epidemiological questionnaire regarding the social and environmental situation, as well as attitudes and practices of the population, understood as risk factors. An analysis of multiple risks was carried out with the aid of a geographical information system (GIS). Results: It was evident that the spread of malaria is associated with multiple factors among which are the household and communal infrastructures. A relationship was also found between the contagion of malaria with certain disease preventive practices such as the use of mosquito nets, awnings, and insecticides. Discussion: Social factors are related to the spread of malaria, such as housing and human behavior, aspects that can be modified and that make evident an important gap in Health Promotion and Public Health.

Keywords : Malaria; Environmental Health; Epidemiology; Public Health.

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