Environmental sanitation index and covid-19: an analysis in brazilian capitals

Abstract

The urbanization process and the significant population density in large centers triggered an increase in society's production and consumption, widening waste generation, which can impact human health and the environment. In developing countries such as Brazil, diseases caused by inadequate environmental sanitation conditions result in social problems that affect mainly vulnerable regions. This article aims to analyze sanitation and diseases related to environmental sanitation in Brazilian regions for the elaboration of an Environmental Sanitation Index for Brazilian capitals based on indicators related to water supply; sanitation and water-borne diseases. The research method is exploratory and quantitative. The Environmental Sanitation Index was prepared based on the application of Factor Analysis, with the help of the SPSS Software. As a result, the correlation between the proposed Environmental Sanitation Index and cases/deaths from Covid-19 was observed, which, in turn, strengthens the concept of sanitation as the main measure for preventing and spreading the virus. In short, quality sanitation services are a measure to prevent waterborne diseases, and their universality should be seen as a priority, especially in the North and Northeast regions