SANITY CONDITIONS OF SANTA CATARINA’S WEST: DIAGNOSIS OF RURAL POPULATIONS AND SMALL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Introduction: The concern about sanitary conditions and water quality has been described in the Millennium Development Goals by the UN. As part of this global context, it is important to diagnose the sanitary conditions of rural areas and small communities in Brazil. Objective: To diagnose the sanitary conditions in a municipality of Western Santa Catarina state. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study carried out in the municipality of Palmitos, Western Santa Catarina state. The sample was self-weighted into two selection stages, census sector and households. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. Results: Three-hundred sixty-six participants over 15 years old from one-hundred thirty-six households were interviewed. Households had a well or a spring as the primary location of water collection; 13.1% had no channeling of the water into the house; in rural areas, the main destination for the bathroom and sanitary waste occurs is crude tanks; in addition, much of the garbage (40.7%) is burned in the houses. Conclusion: The conditions of use of drinking water, and the destination of the waste water (sewage) and household waste present polluting characteristics in need of educational and social intervention. Individual and public health may be affected by the lack of appropriate measures concerning the use of natural resources. DESCRIPTORS Sanitary Profiles. Water Supply, Rural. Health Surveys. Sanitation. Public Health.