Abstract

AGUDELO ACEVEDO, Felipe. Environmental risks and public health on a neighborhood conformed by invasion in Medellin: the case of La Divisa. An ethnographic study, 2007-2008. Salud, Barranquilla [online]. 2009, vol.25, n.2, pp.197-204. ISSN 0120-5552.

Objective: To identify from the perception of the habitants of La Divisa Neighborhood in Medellin, the environmental risk factors, having as a main subject the sociological and economical determinants, the environmental habits who are risky to the Public Health, besides all the present risks in their social, natural and physical environment, with the final objective to be organized and to give a possible solution from the actors. Method: This qualitative research was developed using ethnographic research techniques, where 12 semi - structured interviews were done, and primary and secondary sources were used besides the non participative observation. Results: Factors as the violence, poverty and the absence of education are the main factors on the behavior and relationship between the environment and the influence that it has on public health, where the incorrect disposition of solid or liquid wastes is just a wave to survive. Conclusions: The "incorrect habits" of the population with the environment and their health, are just the result of the absence of economical, social and educational opportunities, which generates behaviors against the environment and the public health.

Keywords : Risks; Public health; environment; habits; perception; La Divisa.

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