2016
Author(s): Fonseca PA, Hacon Sde S, Reis VL, Costa D, Brown IF
The North region is the second region in Brazil with the highest incidence rate of diarrheal diseases in children under 5 years old. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between rainfall and water level during the rainy season principally with the incidence rate of this disease in a southwestern Amazon basin. Rainfall estimates and the water level were correlated and both of them were correlated with the diarrheal incidence rate. For the Alto Acre region, 2 to 3 days' time-lag is the best interval to observe the impact of the rainfall in the water level (R = 0.35). In the Lower Acre region this time-lag increased (4 days) with a reduction in the correlation value was found. The correlation between rainfall and diarrheal disease was better in the Lower Acre region (Acrelandia, R = 0.7) and rainfall upstream of the city. Between water level and diarrheal disease, the best results were found for the Brasileia gauging station (Brasileia, R = 0.3; Epitaciolandia, R = 0.5). This study's results may support planning and financial resources allocation to prioritize actions for local Civil Defense and health care services before, during and after the rainy season.
DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232015213.20162015
Journal: Ciencia & Saude Coletiva