RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LEPTOSPIROSIS IN VULNERABLE POPULATIONS OF THE MACHALA CANTON
Keywords:
leptospirosis, risk factors, zoonosisAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i17.0371
Abstract
Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with leptospirosis in vulnerable populations in Machala. Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was collected using a data collection matrix based on records of leptospirosis diagnoses. These records were cleaned and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with absolute frequencies and percentages to characterize sociodemographic factors and identify environmental and zoonotic risk factors. Results: A total of 184 valid records from the Machala canton were analyzed. Females predominated at 58.2%, while males accounted for 41.8%. In terms of educational level, secondary school accounted for 38.6%, followed by primary school at 34.2%. The parish with the highest number of records was La Providencia at 45.1%, followed by Jubones at 15.8% and El Cambio at 11.4%. By geographic area, urban areas predominated at 91.3%. Among the associated risk factors, flooding, the presence of rodents, domestic animals, and animals in the immediate vicinity of homes stood out—conditions that favor the transmission of Leptospira. Conclusion: Leptospirosis in Machala exhibits a predominantly urban pattern, concentrated in specific parishes and associated with environmental, social, and zoonotic factors. There is a need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, health education, rodent control, waste management, and prevention of contact with contaminated water.
Keywords: leptospirosis, risk factors, zoonosis.
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