Needs, acceptability, and value of humanitarian medical assistance in remote Peruvian Amazon riverine communities

Much debate exists regarding the need, acceptability, and value of humanitarian medical assistance. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 457 children under 5 years from four remote riverine communities in the Peruvian Amazon and collected anthropometric measures, blood samples (1-4 years), and st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 2015-06, Vol.92 (6), p.1090-1099
Main Authors: Sanchez, Juan F, Halsey, Eric S, Bayer, Angela M, Beltran, Martin, Razuri, Hugo R, Velasquez, Daniel E, Cama, Vitaliano A, Graf, Paul C F, Quispe, Antonio M, Maves, Ryan C, Montgomery, Joel M, Sanders, John W, Lescano, Andres G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Child Nutrition Disorders - epidemiology
Child, Preschool
Coinfection
Female
Freshwater
Health Services Needs and Demand
Health Status
Humans
Infant
Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - epidemiology
Malaria - epidemiology
Male
Medical Missions, Official
Parasitic Diseases - epidemiology
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Peru - epidemiology
Rivers
Rural Population - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:Much debate exists regarding the need, acceptability, and value of humanitarian medical assistance. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 457 children under 5 years from four remote riverine communities in the Peruvian Amazon and collected anthropometric measures, blood samples (1-4 years), and stool samples. Focus groups and key informant interviews assessed perspectives regarding medical aid delivered by foreigners. The prevalence of stunting, anemia, and intestinal parasites was 20%, 37%, and 62%, respectively. Infection with multiple parasites, usually geohelminths, was detected in 41% of children. The prevalence of intestinal parasites both individual and polyparasitism increased with age. Participants from smaller communities less exposed to foreigners expressed lack of trust and fear of them. However, participants from all communities were positive about foreigners visiting to provide health support. Prevalent health needs such as parasitic infections and anemia may be addressed by short-term medical interventions. There is a perceived openness to and acceptability of medical assistance delivered by foreign personnel.
ISSN:0002-9637
1476-1645
DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.14-0329