Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Isabella Adia, and I am a first-year public health major from Boynton Beach, Florida. My inspiration to study in this field stems from wanting to advocate for and implement changes that promote health equity for all. I am fascinated by the intersection of public health and law and how they can be used together to address inequalities in healthcare. Currently, my career goal is to pursue a JD/MPH dual degree program with the aim of becoming a health lawyer and reforming policies concerning unequal representation and care. This research project has enhanced my passion for learning more about the underlying causes of health disparities and how to mitigate their effects, particularly in communities around the world. I look forward to exploring the intersection of public health and law and using what I have learned to make a meaningful impact on public health.

An Investigation of the Prevalence of Dermatological Conditions in Rural Honduras

Abstract

Honduras, located in tropical Central America, faces notable health challenges. One example includes skin diseases, which are prevalent due to the warm and humid environment which facilitates the growth and spread of microorganisms causing infections and other skin conditions. Researching the prevalence of dermatological diseases in Honduras, specifically the rural communities such as Gracias a Dios, is beneficial for the prevention and progression of improving the quality of life of the individuals from those communities. Our research study examined the prevalence of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin condition distinguished by dry, itchy, and scaly skin, psoriasis, and fungal infections that can be caused by a wide range of environmental and lifestyle factors.

From our literature review and the administration of IRB-approved surveys, we were able to discover the prevalence of AD among the villagers in the rural community of Gracias a Dios. Based on our preliminary observations, it showed that Honduras has a notably high rate of pediatric prevalence and associated symptoms of AD when compared to other regions across the globe. Our future projects will allocate resources, enhance efforts to identify risk factors, target prevention strategies aimed at minimizing the spread among certain populations, and reveal distribution patterns in disparities in access to healthcare services. Not only does understanding the prevalence and severity of dermatological diseases act as a catalyst for the implementation of early diagnosis and treatment, but it also improves knowledge of and access to prevention strategies and practices.

Keywords: Dermatology, Honduras, Skin, Disease, Rural