Abordando las enfermedades respiratorias agudas en niños con un enfoque ecológico en la comunidad

Abstract

Objectives: To reduce acute respiratory disease (ARD) in children under six years of age. An ecological model approach modified by Morelatto guided community actions to identify and improve respiratory health determinants.

Materials and Methods: During this process activities were implemented to change behaviors at the family level, regarding respiratory health practices according to the trans theoretical model of behavior. A risk scoring scale was used as a tool to track change in respiratory health related practices.

Results: Project activities lead to behavioral changes in daily practices related ot ARD in mothers and their families, traced through the risk scoring scale. This approach allowed a participatory intervention of determinants related to ARD at different levels to improve respiratory health of children under six years of age.

Conclusions: Fewer episodes and complications of respiratory disease among households may improve resilience and reduce socioeconomic vulnerability of families previously exposed to frequent events and complications of acute respiratory disease.