Epidemiology of waterborne diarrheal diseases in a Brazilian semiarid region

Abstract

Introduction: In the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, irregular rainfall and high evapotranspiration rates are reported as serious problems related to water quality and availability. Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of acute diarrheal diseases in a Brazilian semi-arid region from 2009 to 2010. Methods: This was a descriptive study with a quantitative approach using data from the Information System of Primary Care/Ministry of Health and Health Department of the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Results: The most chosen treatment to combat diarrheal disease was the type A and there were no reported cases of deaths from diarrheal diseases in most municipalities. The age group with the highest prevalence of diarrheal diseases is between one to four years. Conclusions: Data may be underestimated, and the framework leads to the need of improving the Monitoring System of Acute Diarrheal Diseases and conducting health education actions with the population in order to improve their quality of life and health.