Epidemiological analysis of foodborne diseases (FBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a department of the Colombian Caribbean, 2021–2022

Authors

  • Andrés Camilo Rojas-Gulloso Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
  • Yolima Berena Pertuz Meza Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
  • Rosa Amalia Martínez Ospino Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.03.036.015

Keywords:

FBD, diarrhoea, , public health, foodborne diseases

Abstract

Objective: To carry out an epidemiological analysis of ATD cases in a department in northern Colombia during the period 2021-2022; to identify risk patterns associated with socioeconomic factors and places of consumption, and to propose interventions focused on food security.

Methodology: Based on data collected from the departmental health secretariat of Magdalena, a descriptive and retrospective study was carried out using the Foodborne Diseases Notification Form-355. Chi-square tests were applied to evaluate associations between the type of food and the site of poisoning, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with ATD cases.

Results: The study analyzed 793 cases of ATD in Magdalena. The most frequent places of poisoning were the home (56.2%), restaurants (20.1%), and street food (15.4%). The epidemiological analysis reveals significant associations in the heterogeneous distribution in socioeconomic strata 1, 2 and 3 with probabilities of risk = PR between PR = 2.8 (95% CI: 1.4-5.4) to 5.9 (95% CI: 3.7-9.5) of acquiring food poisoning in mobile places, while the highest strata (5 and 6) have a higher risk of poisoning in restaurants. The foods that had impact on the ATS were dairy foods (32.7%), fish, shellfish (24.7%), and eggs (12%). A strong association was found between dairy consumption and poisoning in homes. The decrease in cases in 2022 could be related to disabling mobility restrictions. A low identification of causative pathogens was observed.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions in food security, especially in vulnerable populations and street vendors.

Author Biographies

  • Andrés Camilo Rojas-Gulloso, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

    Microbiólogo, Universidad Popular del Cesar (Colombia). Magíster en Microbiología Tropical, Universidad de Córdoba (Colombia). Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta (Colombia). andres.rojasgu@campusucc.edu.co. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0445-5814

  • Yolima Berena Pertuz Meza, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

    Bacterióloga, Universidad Metropolitana (Colombia). Magíster en Microbiología Molecular, Universidad Libre de Colombia. Especialista en Epidemiología, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta (Colombia). Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Programa de Vigilancia, Gobernación del Magdalena, Santa Marta (Colombia). yolima.pertuz@campusucc.edu.co. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6928-4249

  • Rosa Amalia Martínez Ospino, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

     Enfermera, Universidad de Sucre (Colombia). Administradora pública, Corporación Universitaria del Caribe-CECAR (Colombia). Magíster en Salud Pública, Universidad del Norte (Colombia). Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta (Colombia). Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo (Colombia). rosa.martinezo@campusucc.edu.co. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1182-8631

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Published

2025-08-26

Issue

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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