Community-Based Participatory Research for Critical Health Interventions for the Quichua People in Bolivar, Ecuador

The health needs of rural Ecuadorians are often addressed through foreign aid and short-term medical missions. While these efforts provide temporary relief for rural populations struggling to access government-mandated universal healthcare, they fail to address underlying systemic issues. We conducted a community health needs assessment (CHNA) in the San Juan de Llullundongo region of Bolivar province to identify the local population’s most pressing healthcare needs. Results highlight a critical shortage of women’s health services, including gynecologic exams, breast exams, and education on birthing positions, alongside inadequate water sanitation practices. In contrast, respondents reported effective management of hand hygiene, smoking, alcohol use, and low rates of sexual and physical abuse within their community. Public health programs targeting the rural Quichua population would benefit from prioritizing low-cost women’s health initiatives, water treatment solutions, and education on birthing practices to address these community-identified needs.