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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Julio J. Alvarez, MPH, William A. Calo, MPH, Ivan E. Catoni, MPH, Wanda M. Colon, MPH, Marla S. Delgado, MPH, Mayra L. Estrella, MPH, Aida L. Gonzalez, MPH, Maria G. Kallis, MPH, Vivienne Marrero, MPH, Lehida Melendez, MPH, Aisha I. Miranda, MPH, Karen Nieves, MPH, Lydiette Osorio, MPH, Rafael A. Quintana, MPH, Jose M. Rodriguez, MPH, Azalia Torres, MPH, Yari D. Valle, MPH, Ana P. Ortiz, PhD, and Erik Suarez, MPH. Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO BOX 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, 787-758-2525 x-1417, quinty25@gmail.com

Background: The operation of quarries has been observed to affect the health status of human populations residing near them. A cross-sectional design was used to compare the prevalence of respiratory and general symptoms, respiratory, cardiovascular and skin diseases in two communities of Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico: Guayabal and Río Cañas Abajo. Guayabal is exposed to particulate matter from quarries, and transit and diesel exhaust from trucks; whereas Río Cañas Abajo has no such exposure.

Methods: A probabilistic model was used to obtain a representative sample of households in both communities. A self-report questionnaire was designed to obtain information of all residents (n=288) in the selected households. Adjusted PORs were estimated to assess the relationship between diseases/symptoms and place of residence using a logistic regression model; a multilevel approach was used in order to control for potential correlation among residents of the same block.

Results: A higher prevalence of general and respiratory symptoms was observed for residents of Guayabal when compared to Río Cañas Abajo. Multilevel analysis showed that people living in Guayabal were more likely to have bronchitis (POR=5.47; p=0.05), nasal allergies (POR= 4.15; p=0.01), nasal congestion (POR=2.93; p=0.02) and nausea/vomit (POR=8.67; p<0.01) than those residing in Río Cañas Abajo.

Conclusions: The prevalence of the majority of symptoms and diseases under study was higher in the community of Guayabal, where quarries are present. Future studies should elucidate the role of the quarries in the development of disease in this population.

Learning Objectives: At the conclussion of the session, the participants will be able to

• List the conditions/symptoms that affect the community of Guayabal where quarries are located.
• Identify potential sources of particulate matter and diesel exhaust at Guayabal.
• Recognize that there exists a higher prevalence of general and respiratory symptoms in the Guayabal community (where quarries are located) compared to Rio Cañas Abajo.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Environmental Exposures

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation