Needs, Acceptability, and Value of Humanitarian Medical Assistance in Remote Peruvian Amazon Riverine Communities

Abstract

Abstract. Much debate exists regarding the need, acceptability, and value of humanitarian medical assistance. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 457 children under 5 years from four remote riverine communities in the Peruvian Amazon and collected anthropometric measures, blood samples (1-4 years), and stool samples. Focus groups and key informant interviews assessed perspectives regarding medical aid delivered by foreigners. The prevalence of stunting, anemia, and intestinal parasites was 20%, 37%, and 62%, respectively. Infection with multiple parasites, usually geohelminths, was detected in 41% of children. The prevalence of intestinal parasites both individual and polyparasitism increased with age. Participants from smaller communities less exposed to foreigners expressed lack of trust and fear of them. However, participants from all communities were positive about foreigners visiting to provide health support. Prevalent health needs such as parasitic infections and anemia may be addressed by short-term medical interventions. There is a perceived openness to and acceptability of medical assistance delivered by foreign personnel.

Effective practices of international volunteering for health: perspectives from partner organizations

“…A growing scholarly critique of volunteer activities focuses on the unethical practice of medicine with vulnerable patients by untrained students [ 17 – 21 ]. These studies have included interviews with medical personnel [ 22 – 24 ], medical and non-medical staff who work with volunteers [ 11 ], community members and patients [ 25 – 27 ], or a combination of all of the above [ 28 , 29 ]. The results of such studies, despite disparate methods, locales, and programs, are remarkably consistent and valuable in identifying ways in which health-related volunteer programs should be improved.…”

Is anemia a public health problem among children under five years ago in Peru? Findings from a national healthcare administrative database (2012 and 2016) using Geographic Information Systems

“…Likewise, the departments circumscribed to the Andes region had the highest percentage increases in the prevalence of anemia in the urban sector between 2012 and 2016. Variations in the prevalence of anemia within this geographical area would respond to numerous risk factors, such as socioeconomic and geographic, influenced in some cases by the concurrence of parasites, nutritional deficiencies, exposures to metals, and deficiencies in the care of the child by the mother 21,22,23,24 . In these regions, the experience of health programs that include the delivery of micronutrients or nutritional supplements and low-interest money or micro-credit programs for low-income families report a decrease in the prevalence of anemia in children aged 6-8 years of age 25,26,27 .…”

Assessing the Short-Term Global Health Experience: A Cross-Sectional Study of Demographics, Socioeconomic Factors, and Disease Prevalence

“…This is supported by community elders who independently spoke of the need for different hours to allow men to access the clinics' medical care. Furthermore, short-term medical service trips often focus on the most vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women, 8 which while important, can mean that men's health is often overlooked. However, men have a higher risk of developing many chronic diseases that carry high morbidity and mortality, and an overall shorter life expectancy.…”

“…7 This has led to a lack of knowledge of underserviced communities' characteristics. Implications for visiting clinicians include safety and quality of health-care provided, 8 the ethics of adequate cultural awareness and sensitivity to local community needs, 9 and the preparation of medication, supplies, and volunteer predeparture training.…”