Secondary analysis of data derived from an ongoing health-related global endeavor in Nicaragua incorporating three population assessment procedures

Abstract

Health outreach experiences provided services to populations with limited resources, but some have noted that such experiences can be harmful to the target population if partnerships and sustainability are not core components. This analytic longitudinal ecological epidemiologic study used secondary data derived from an ongoing partnership between The Rainbow Network, Global Partners-Nicaragua, and residents of villages in the Matagalpa region of Nicaragua. The purpose this retrospective study was to determine the distribution of disease, risk factors related to disease, and protective factors related to disease within the populations of four villages who were involved in assessments to identify health needs and assets. Among the results of this study, investigators found that potential asthma among children was lower in El Paraiso where stoves were located outside the home; nearly half of all adult participants were overweight or obese with women more frequently being overweight or obese; and children in El Paraiso were more likely to be severely underweight or obese. Investigators recommended that grant funding be sought to move stoves outside the homes; nutritional and physical activity education be considered for women and children; and additional studies be conducted to examine the causes of nutritional imbalances in women and children.