Study of Environmental Factors Associated with Primary Health Care

Abstract

The objective was to explore the health implications of the environment as observed in poor urban communities and their formal and informal health agents. Data were gathered through photographs, observational guides, and semistructured interviews. A contrast was observed between the housing interior cleanliness. There was an absence of urban environmental components that encourage leisure-time activities and/or cohesion in the community. No mention was made of the necessity for recreational environments. None of the group of informants was aware of how housing components other than those provided by the public services influence people's health. The people of the communities demonstrated some understanding of the environment/health relationship but focused on the global problems of barrios. Similar results were found among the informal health agents. The formal health team managed problems at the urban level, not at the individual-housing level, although they do present some more specific details.