Incidence Rates of Diseases and Injuries in Select Climate- Change-Vulnerable Coastal and Inland Communities

Abstract

This descriptive-analytical research aimed to examine the incidence rates of five (5) categories of medical concerns in representative urban, rural, inland, and coastal areas of Negros Occidental: waterborne diseases, cardiopulmonary incidents, nutritional deficiencies, parasitic infections, and accidents and injuries. A series of medical missions was conducted between February 23 and 25, 2019 for patients in Brgy. Lopez Jaena, Murcia, Brgy. Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, Brgy.40, Bacolod City, and Purkos Seaside and Crossing 8 of Brgy. Sum-ag, Bacolod City. A total of 573 patients from the 4 barangays were examined by medical and allied health professionals. Medical history specific to climate change-vulnerable diseases was collected from patient-participants with written and informed consent or assent. Results showed that there were relatively high incidence rates for waterborne diseases (48.17%) and cardiopulmonary incidents (76.44%) among patient- participants. Results also showed that accidents and injuries were more likely to occur in coastal areas (8%) compared to inland areas (3%). The elderly or those aged above 64 years old were more vulnerable to climate change with a significantly higher incidence rate for cardiopulmonary diseases (96%) than any other age group.