Health Communication and Community-Based Healthcare in Rural Ecuador

A Project by Ty Kraniak

Because of recent globalization trends, far corners of the world have been influenced by western technology. In the El Paramo region of northwestern Ecuador, cell phones were introduced in the last decade, and as a result, the devices have become increasingly common in the area. Yet, despite the presence of cellular devices, actual cell signal remains inconsistent and spotty, with some residents having continuous access to cell services and others lacking the ability to make calls from their home. As a result of this disparity, the connection between cell phone coverage and the ability of people to secure health resources was examined in the El Paramo area. Through a series of semi-structured interviews, it was concluded that access to cell phone coverage plays an integral role in securing health resources. If improving health is a goal, efforts to increase cellular coverage for rural populations are needed.