1. Needs, acceptability, and value of humanitarian medical assistance in remote Peruvian Amazon riverine communities
- Author
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Hugo Razuri, Daniel E. Velasquez, Angela M. Bayer, John W. Sanders, Juan F. Sanchez, Joel M. Montgomery, Martin Beltran, Ryan C. Maves, Antonio M. Quispe, Eric S. Halsey, Paul C. F. Graf, Andres G. Lescano, and Vitaliano Cama
- Subjects
Value (ethics) ,Male ,Rural Population ,Anemia ,Malaria/epidemiology ,Parasitic Diseases/epidemiology ,Health Status ,Psychological intervention ,Child Nutrition Disorders ,Child Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology ,Rivers ,Environmental protection ,Virology ,Environmental health ,Peru ,medicine ,Parasitic Diseases ,Humans ,Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ,Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic ,Health needs ,Health Services Needs and Demand ,Amazon rainforest ,business.industry ,Coinfection ,Age Factors ,Infant ,Medical Missions ,Articles ,Anthropometry ,Patient Acceptance of Health Care ,medicine.disease ,Focus group ,Malaria ,Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology ,Infectious Diseases ,Key informants ,Child, Preschool ,Parasitology ,Female ,business ,Peru/epidemiology ,purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#3.03.06 [https] - Abstract
Much debate exists regarding the need, acceptability, and value of humanitarian medical assistance. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 457 children under 5 years from four remote riverine communities in the Peruvian Amazon and collected anthropometric measures, blood samples (1–4 years), and stool samples. Focus groups and key informant interviews assessed perspectives regarding medical aid delivered by foreigners. The prevalence of stunting, anemia, and intestinal parasites was 20%, 37%, and 62%, respectively. Infection with multiple parasites, usually geohelminths, was detected in 41% of children. The prevalence of intestinal parasites both individual and polyparasitism increased with age. Participants from smaller communities less exposed to foreigners expressed lack of trust and fear of them. However, participants from all communities were positive about foreigners visiting to provide health support. Prevalent health needs such as parasitic infections and anemia may be addressed by short-term medical interventions. There is a perceived openness to and acceptability of medical assistance delivered by foreign personnel.
- Published
- 2014