Gestational Malaria and living conditions

Abstract

Social and economic aspects of malaria gestational Urabá (Antioquia), Colombia Problem: the study of gestational malaria (GM) has emphasized its biomedical aspects and marginalized social aspects. Objectives: To describe the socio-economic characteristics of families with and without GM in Turbo (Antioquia). Methodology: descriptive design with socio-economic surveys. Random sample: 84 mothers-families. Results: There were no statistically significant difference between pregnancies with or without GM traits. Maternal main features: age 23 ± 5 years, 64% of peasant origin, illiterate 14%, primary education 61% with, only 17% knew a specific job. Mothers with paying jobs: only 21%, always marginal; 63% were direct operators and 37% were managers/heads, $ 166,000 average monthly income. Spouses/companions: various occupations 52%, agriculture 17%, laborer 14% $ 320,000 monthly income (median). The complete nuclear family 77%, with 5.4 members. Housing: 63% family owned; 2,5 persons/bedroom; 2.5 personsleepers/mosquito net. Anti-mosquito family activity: none 62%. Water for drinking/cooking: 76% rain as a sole source or shared. Connection to sewer: 59%. Peridomestic environment: 71% vegetation and running/stagnant water. Waste: thrown to the ground/water 26%. Conclusions: Family life conditions are below satisfactory levels, poverty/misery prevails. Economically dependent mothers (80%), those who work and reward (20%) do so in marginal activities with little income. The peridomestic environment and family practices antimalarial strongly favor the presence of it.