The impact of violence on the health of the Black population from the Colombian Pacific region: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The Black communities who inhabit the Colombian Pacific Coast experience high risk levels due to the persistence of an armed conflict and the presence of a variety of illegal armed groups. Likewise, in comparison to the rest of the country, these communities face poor health conditions, a higher prevalence of preventable diseases, and a lower life expectancy at birth. This study was aimed at identifying the impact of violence on the health of the Afro-Colombian population from Tumaco (Narino, Colombia). Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted applying a survey to 280 victims of the armed conflict. A bivariate analysis was carried out using chi square test and Odds Ratio, together with a logistic regression. Results Most of the victims were young low-income women, who are at a higher risk of suffering from depression, injuries or poisonings caused by environmental pollution, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases as a consequence of their exposure to violent events. The most important effect of violence on the population’s health is the difficulty in completing their academic formation, and the determinants of violence that most strongly affect their health are housing conditions and unsatisfied basic needs. Conclusions In order to reduce the social inequalities of the victims of armed conflict it is necessary to update and improve the regulatory framework that oversees health, justice, politics, education and agriculture in Colombia. In addition, more studies and policies are required to mitigate the impact of violence on the Black population of the Colombian Pacific region who are young, poor and female.