This paper studies the town of Chañaral, which is located in Atacama Region (Northern Chile). The importance of this town is due to the environmental problems affecting the health of its inhabitants. Through a focus group, the author sought to identify the variables determining the quality of the community’s life. Among 14 areas, the following were found to be relevant: children’s education, healthcare quality, the health of the family, and pollution. Using this data, along with the 2011 national survey on life and health, as well as the UN Habitat recommendations, a set of variables was identified. These variables were expressed in a survey given to 105 people that covered the social dimensions of health, environment, housing, and education. According to available data, the results were compared with national and regional references, as well as with those of the capital of the region. The data was stratified by schooling and per capita income. The author observed concern about the following: air pollution, water pollution, a lack of green areas, insufficiencies in the healthcare system, and signs of stress. Nearly half of the people who intend to migrate give reasons such as personal health or that of a family member, better educational prospects for their children, and environmental problems in general. Compared to the regional capital, Copiapó, the area studied shows mostly critical results in various aspects. On the one hand, there is satisfaction when it comes to housing, work, and income; on the other, there are few opportunities for cultural development and little to no interest in community participation. Graphing survey data enabled the author to identify people’s outlook on their lifestyle, housing conditions, general health, environment, and home dynamics. This helped to identify two sectors in the city with very precarious socioeconomic conditions. Nonetheless, in terms of health, environment, and safety, negative opinions are distributed throughout the town, with no differences by urban or social sector. The study revealed the need to fix weaknesses and plan how to deal with the most urgent topics, such as the environment, community equipment, and safety, which greatly affect health. The author also recommends involving the community in creating diagnostics and proposals that seek to reinforce the community’s link to the place that motivated the first settlers to consolidate the site as a place for development and shelter, in an environment free from pollution and with an urban development project that involves corporate social responsibility.
| Date of Award | 16 Jan 2018 |
|---|
| Original language | Spanish |
|---|
| Supervisor | Albert Navarro Gine (Director) & Alvarado Orellana Sergio Alfredo (Director) |
|---|