The rural and urban poor of Honduras: a descriptive analysis of their health care needs and living conditions

Keywords

Community health nursing -- Honduras, Honduras -- Social conditions -- 1980-, Medical care -- Needs assessment -- Honduras, Honduras health needs assessment, Intestinal parasitic infections prevalence, Gastrointestinal and respiratory symptom patterns, Drinking water quality and practices, Medication prescribing patterns (OTC and antibiotics)

Abstract

Since Hurricane Mitch there have been many humanitarian efforts to provide health care to the poor and needy of Honduras. Unfortunately there is little information available regarding the specific health needs in this country. The purpose of this project was to analyze data collected during a recent mission trip to Honduras for trends in health symptoms, diagnoses and health care practices to assist in the planning of future trips. Health Intake forms were created by Drs. Holcomb and Crigger and were filled out by 500 patients at the time of their visit to both rural and urban clinics. The forms included information on the patient's health history, current symptoms, diagnosis and treatment as well as their health habits and living conditions that might affect their health. Descriptive statistics revealed the clinic population to be primarily women and children. The most common presenting symptoms were gastrointestinal, non specific (i.e. fever, malaise . .. ) and pulmonary. Common diagnoses included intestinal parasites, arthritis and upper respiratory infections. The most frequently prescribed medications were over the counter medications (i.e. vitamins, and Tylenol) as well as antibiotics. Chi-square analysis revealed few differences between the urban and rural populations. It was discovered that many of the population continue to drink unpurified tap water, which may contribute to their gastrointestinal complaints and the frequent occurrence of intestinal parasites.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2001

Advisor

Holcomb, Lygia

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Department

Nursing

Format

Print

Pages

63 pages

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0022673

Subjects

Dissertations; Academic -- Health and Public Affairs; Health and Public Affairs -- Dissertations; Academic; Rural poor--Health and hygiene; Urban poor--Health and hygiene; Rural poor--Medical care; Urban poor--Medical care; Medical care--Needs assessment

Accessibility Status

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