Comprehensive evaluation of male health in four communities in rural Honduras

Abstract

PODEMOS (Partnership for Ongoing Developmental, Educational and Medical Outreach Solutions) has been a long-standing healthcare provider in 4 communities in northern rural Honduras. In this study, we sought to understand and quantify the health challenges faced by men in the rural communities served by PODEMOS in order to improve the way PODEMOS delivers healthcare. Between June and July of 2015, we conducted 104 structured survey interviews with men 18 years and older in rural Honduras. We found that most men face significant economic limitations in their ability to pay for healthcare and health-determining services and due to low formal education levels face health literacy challenges. Furthermore, we found that a quarter are at risk for health problems due to smoking, and the majority are at risk for musculoskeletal problems due to work in strenuous outdoor labor. However, we found that zero respondents drank alcohol heavily, which is defined as more than 14 drinks in one week. Lastly, we found varying opinions on female contraception use. Our findings indicate that medical brigades to the developing world should understand and quantify the relevant health challenges faced by their target populations.

Heavy drinking in men and women in Honduras: a secondary analysis of the Endesa 2019

“…41 In this analysis, rural residence is associated with lower HD prevalence for both men and women. These findings align with studies conducted, one in Honduras among male residents of rural areas (percent drinking alcohol heavily in males = 0%) 42 and another in a Latin American country where higher consumption levels were observed in urban areas (0.34% more likely to have HD than individuals with rural residences). 43 It is worth noting that some reviews have reported higher alcohol consumption in rural areas.…”