Graduation Year
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.P.H.
Degree Granting Department
Public Health
Major Professor
Julie Baldwin
Keywords
Indigenous, Ngäbe-Buglé, Panama, Sanitation, Water, Women
Abstract
Background: In 2007, approximately 66.2% of the population of the Comarcas (indigenous reservations) in Panama had access to potable water. However, over 50% of this population lacked access to sanitation. As a result, the leading causes of death in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé are due to severe diarrhea and gastroenteritis of infectious origin. The present project assessed the need for an in-depth understanding of the Ngäbe-Buglé women and their communities regarding their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors about water and sanitation. Methodology: In this cross-sectional exploratory study, a convenience sample of 52 women were interviewed, utilizing a questionnaire guided by the Health Belief Model. Quantitative analysis was useful in identifying to generate descriptive statistics for the quantitative data, and qualitative methods were used to identify a priori and emergent codes in open-ended responses. Results: The Health Belief Model was useful to identify different factors that may prevent the adoption of safe behaviors, while the children play a key role in adopting those behaviors. Data showed that the women had some knowledge about safe water consumption, but that does not necessarily determine if they will consume safe water or not, although it seems that chlorination is more likely to be adopted than boiling water. There is a need for tailored educational programs for this population, especially topics related to sanitation, garbage disposal and hygiene practices
Scholar Commons Citation
Vega, Natalia, "Knowledge, Attitudes and Traditions Regarding Water Consumption and Sanitary Practices of the Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Women in the Chiriquí Province in Panama" (2013). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/4785
