Factores asociados a las enfermedades tropicales en el Ecuador

Abstract

Tropical diseases represent a significant public health issue due to their high prevalence and considerable potential for impact. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with tropical diseases in Ecuador using a qualitative, descriptive, non-experimental methodology and a literature review approach, employing the PRISMA method as the primary strategy. It collected 42 publications from databases such as Dialnet, SciELO, Redalyc, Google Scholar, BVS, ResearchGate, and various repositories of higher education institutions. After applying inclusion criteria, 24 studies were included in the document review process. The findings revealed that the most prominent tropical diseases in the country are Dengue, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Chagas Disease, Zika, Chikungunya, Cysticercosis, and Geohelminthiasis, with Dengue being the most prevalent. Risk factors associated include socioeconomic status, type and sector housing, seasonal patterns, climate, and the population’s lack of knowledge about preventive measures. Various strategies were employed to prevent and control these diseases, such as awareness campaigns and education of the population, environmental sanitation, vector control by eliminating reservoirs and in patients already diagnosed, medical treatment, management, and active surveillance of cases. The study concludes that there is a high prevalence of tropical diseases in the country, with modifiable risk factors, which is necessary to strengthen educational activities aimed at preventing these diseases and the self-care of the population.