A PERCEPÇÃO SOBRE SAÚDE E AMBIENTE NA COMUNIDADE DO BAIRRO BEIRA RIO NO MUNICÍPIO DE IMPERATRIZ-MA.

Abstract

Perception studies have a fundamental importance to understand the correlation between human beings and the natural environment. This research aimed to identify the perception of sustainable environments and its relationship with health. The approach to establish this relation took in consideration how the population deals with solid waste. The study was applied to a group of families from the Beira-Rio neighborhood in partnership with the local Community Health Workers (CHW). In total a hundred surveys were answered by residents and seven by CHW from the covered area. The survey tried to identify the correlation between the knowledge about environmental issues and the population s quality of life. The research pointed out different ways of environmental degradation in the neighborhood. The majority of the interviewed families consume water without proper treatment, which shows the lack of a sewage system in the area. Additionally, we conclude that there are other relevant issues in the community such as security. The CHW as an important pillar of the health services system should consider more the environmental issues in the population s daily health treatment and to preserve the ecosystem for the next generations.