The social and epidemiological context of settlement inhabitants in mangrove areas.

Abstract

Fortaleza is a metropolis that presents a perverse income distribution and ground occupation problems. “Baixada do Aratu” is a Permanent Preservation Area located along the Coco River, whose vegetation consists mainly of mangrove. The real estate speculation and the lack of a habitation policy have brought to “Baixada” approximately 200 families who live in the area under sub-human conditions. This qualitative research had the aim of knowing the social and epidemiological reality of that location’s inhabitants. It was carried out between January and February, 2001, by means of a questionnaire and domiciliary visits, with a sample of 70 families. It was found that 90% of the families obtain treated water through clandestine connections and 10% remove it from wells without any treatment. The barracks are constructed with wood and clay from the mangrove or with construction material remains. The most common diseases are the respiratory ones with a prevalence of 54%, followed by high blood pressure (14%), alcoholism (11%), diarrhea (8.5%), dermatological diseases (6%) and 6.5% of other causes. An association between precarious life conditions, recidivistic health problems and increasing nature aggression was noticed. It is concluded that more studies must be carried out in order to thoroughly understand the relations that occur between those factors, so that, from the University of Fortaleza health service, one be able to construct an intervention proposal in adequacy to those inhabitants’ reality