Comprehensive health situation analysis of santa maría community, bajo boulogne, san isidro district

Abstract

Introduction: ASIS is an instrument to know the health situation including the perspective of the actors, and to guide the planning of activities in health-oriented community. Aims: to collect socio-demographic characteristics of the community population, to investigate health problems identified by the community and learn what strategies used to solve them, and know their health resources. Methods: Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) methodology implemented between June 2013 and May 2014 in the Santa María community, Bajo Boulogne, Argentina. Data were collected from three sources: socio-demographic data from the 2010 National Census, we conducted a survey ad hoc on a sample to know the health problems of the community, and we described their health resources. Results: according to Census data, under age 19 account for 33% of the population, mainly from Argentina and alphabetized. Their houses have connection with running water, sewerage and gas. 12.8% live with unsatisfied basic needs. In addition, 225 homes were surveyed with a response rate of 70%: 30% (67/225) of adults and 42% (52/122) of children (expressed by responsible adults) reported having had an acute health problem in the past two months. For both, the main perceived health problem was respiratory; for adults, the second in frequency were of musculoskeletal problems. Fifty-five percent of adults suffer from some recognized, mainly cardiovascular chronic problem. The major problems reported were insecurity and violence. 73% reported knowledge of the Centro de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria San Pantaleón, although it usually uses only 34% of respondents. Conclusions: it represents a first approach to the perception and the needs of the community