Análise da associação entre saneamento e saúde nos países da América Latina e do Caribe, empregando dados secundários do banco de dados da Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde – OPAS

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the relationship between sanitation conditions – population covered by water supply and sewerage services – and epidemiological indicators – infant mortality, mortality in children below 5, and mortality from acute diarrhoeal diseases in children below 5 – in Latin American and Caribbean countries, using secondary data from PAHO – the Pan American Health Organization. The research included 44 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, with an estimated population of 561.3 million inhabitants in year 2005. The epidemiological method used was ecological delineation. It is possible to state that the universalization of sanitation services, implementation of urban infrastructure, fight against infant malnutrition, and increase in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding up to 120 days of life are actions that will contribute towards the improvement of infant health in the region.