In a study conducted by Majo Carrasco-Tenezaca, Benjamin Bates, Esteban Baus, and Mario Grijalva, barriers and facilitators for home reconstruction in Canton Calvas, Loja, Ecuador were explored. This region is an endemic high-risk area for Chagas disease (CD), a tropical parasitic disease transmitted by triatomine bugs that typically infest precarious housing in rural and impoverished areas.

The study emphasized the importance of reducing exposure to these insects and the parasite they carry as a fundamental measure to prevent CD in these areas. Home reconstruction is considered a sustainable long-term solution to this problem. To understand the barriers and facilitators of home reconstruction, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 33 residents of the region.

The study's results identified three key facilitators: project facilitators, social facilitators, and economic facilitators. Additionally, two major barriers were identified: low personal economy and extensive deterioration of existing homes. These findings suggest that home reconstruction initiatives should focus on collective community efforts (minga) rather than individualistic efforts and should also address structural issues related to economics and affordability.

This study provides valuable information to assist community members and agents of change in home reconstruction projects aimed at preventing Chagas disease in these high-risk areas.

You can read the full study by following this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/8/4/228