Saneamento e seu impacto na saúde coletiva: um estudo em comunidades rurais no alto sertão paraibano.

Abstract

The Federal Constitution guarantees in its article 225 that all citizens have the right to an ecologically balanced environment, of common use, and essential for a healthy life, with the government and society being committed to preserving and defending it for current and future generations. However, when observing rural areas, it is possible to notice clear challenges and obstacles daily for accessing sanitation and health services, proportionally more complex than urban ones. In this context, this dissertation aimed to analyze rural sanitation and its relationship with collective health in the rural community of Serra da Arara in the municipality of Cajazeiras – PB. The procedure method adopted for the research was a case study, exploratory and descriptive with a qualitative approach. The rural area chosen for this study was Serra da Arara, where it has a Basic Health Unit - UBS. The District of Serra da Arara is located between São João do Rio do Peixe and Cajazeiras near BR 393. The sample consisted of 18 rural residents of Serra da Arara. The analysis of sanitary practices in the rural community of Serra da Arara revealed a complex situation, where the resilience and adaptability of residents stand out in the face of local conditions. The predominant dependence on residential wells and cisterns for water supply reflects the constant search for solutions in the face of scarcity, although the persistence of water scarcity in some households still represents a significant challenge. In addition, the disposal of sanitary waste and solid waste still faces challenges in the community, with a significant portion using less adequate methods, such as ditches and burning of waste. Regarding the analysis of available health services and the main challenges faced by the community in Serra da Arara, they were the absence of supplies in the health post and the lack of awareness campaigns on sanitation. Regarding the analyses presented on the number of diseases related to inadequate sanitation in rural communities of Serra da Arara, the data reveal a significant incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, which are directly linked to the lack of adequate sanitation and contamination of water and food. In this sense, it becomes evident that rural sanitation plays a fundamental role in promoting collective health in these communities. The lack of access to basic sanitation services, such as drinking water, sewage treatment, and proper waste disposal, is directly related to a series of health problems, including gastrointestinal diseases, waterborne infections, and environment- related illnesses.