Reflection on criteria that may contribute to the dissemination of COVID-19 in rural quilombolas communities in the state of Goiás, Brazil

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 is easily spread by aerosols and direct contact with contaminated people. Therefore, adverse conditions in rural areas can influence the spread of the virus. Thus, a reflection was established about the dissemination of COVID-19 due to the habits of wash hands, sanitation conditions, socioeconomic aspects, and habitability conditions in 26 rural quilombola communities in the state of Goiás. For this, informations were collected in 533 locals households and it was applied the Analytic Hierarchy Process using criteria selected based on the literature. The communities presented a priority for the dissemination of COVID-19 ranging from 14.9 x 10^-3 (worst condition) to 64.3 x 10^-3 (best condition), and the Community José Coleto has occupied the most unfavorable position. Community Buracão showed a more satisfactory result, being less susceptible to the spread of COVID-19. Improving sanitation conditions can increase hand hygiene habits, which would reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Thus, from the results obtained, it is noticeable the importance of empowerment regarding hygiene habits, access to information, basic sanitation and health. The managers should give greater attention to implement infrastructures and improve the conditions of the criteria presented and discussed in this paper.

Keywords:
COVID-19; wash hands; rural sanitation; quilombola; coronavírus