Sanitation Gaps, Health Knowledge, and Cultural Resignation: Mapping Parasitic Infections and Diarrhea in a Vulnerable Urban Area of Itacoatiara, Brazilian Amazon
Jussara Alencar Arraes
Institute of Exact Sciences and Technology (ICET), Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil.
Maxwel Adriano Abegg
*
Institute of Exact Sciences and Technology (ICET), Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil and Graduate Program in Sciences, Technology and Health (PPGCTS/ICET), Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections and diarrheal diseases remain entrenched public health challenges in socially vulnerable urban areas of the Brazilian Amazon. This mixed-methods study investigated two neighborhoods in Itacoatiara using 373 household surveys, 27 semi- structured interviews, municipal stool-test records (3,654 examinations; 43.76% positive for intestinal parasites), and microscopy of 27 household drinking-water samples (22.2% with parasitic-like forms). Findings reveal structural sanitation deficits, widespread misconceptions, and cultural resignation that undermine preventive behaviors. The results indicate that sustainable control will depend on integrated policies that combine infrastructure, routine school-based deworming, and culturally sensitive health education, in line with national frameworks.
Keywords: Intestinal parasitic infections, diarrheal diseases, sanitation gaps, household water quality, health literacy, Urban Brazilian Amazon