An ecosystem perspective in the socio-cultural evaluation of dengue in two Colombian towns.
Despite extensive public health efforts, dengue is still a major health concern in Colombia. The objective of this study was to provide an ecosystem and cross-disciplinary perspective on the dengue situation in two Colombian towns. The article focuses on presenting the anthropological methodology and research findings. An interdisciplinary team gathered quantitative (cross-sectional), meteorological, entomological, and qualitative data (based on medical anthropology) through fieldwork and archival research. According to the qualitative data, dengue can be described as a point of convergence between public health policies, the affected population, the environment, and the social dynamics generated through this interaction. Dengue is illustrative as a disease, in that it has a negative impact on public health, but individuals in Colombia have learned to live and cope with it. Dengue prevalence and its on-going historical presence have made it part of everyday community life, viewed as a minor health issue.
Suárez
Roberto
R
Departamento de Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia. rsuarez@uniandes.edu.co
González
Catalina
C
Carrasquilla
Gabriel
G
Quintero
Juliana
J
D000884:Anthropology, Cultural / Q000379:methods*; D002947:Cities; D003105:Colombia; D003715:Dengue / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017753:Ecosystem; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006798:Housing / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D015980:Public Health Practice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors