LibGuides: Archives & Special Collections: 2018

Access to Healthcare in Sololá, Guatemala

By Nessle, C.N., Montemayor, J.R., Bentley, C.Z.
Abstract
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The goal of many medical outreach trips, including those of Rocky Vista University’s Global Medicine Department, is to provide healthcare to those in need and who might not otherwise receive care. The aim of this investigation was to determine the level of access in healthcare in the Sololá region on Guatemala. Approximately 1% of the gross domestic product of Guatemala is spent on public health, a figure which is among the lowest in Central America. Additionally, 20% of the population lacks adequate access to healthcare services. According to the WHO, there are .9 physicians for every 100,000 people living in Guatemala. Locally trained health care workers are commonly used to assist with health care.

By Van-Beek, B., Chalut, C., Montemayor, J.H,. Bowden, R., Bentley, C.
Abstract
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In developing countries, populations are often affected by multiple nutritional deficiencies, frequently as a result of poverty and unbalanced diets. Chronic malnutrition is responsible for childhood deaths globally, and survivors are less likely to achieve their potential (Shamah 2006). In order to combat these deficiencies, volunteers on medical outreach trips commonly distribute vitamins to patients seen in the clinics, and patients commonly arrive requesting vitamins.