Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la enfermedad de Chagas en población escolar de una zona endémica del Perú

Abstract

This study analyzes knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning Chagas disease among 241 primary schoolchildren in "La Tinguiña", Ica, Peru (December 2000 - January 2001). Less than 1% of those interviewed knew that triatomines transmit Chagas disease, while nearly a quarter recognized the illness based on the appearance of "lumps" on the skin; 35.27% knew that vector infestation is controlled using insecticides; 26.56% recognized the adult stage of the vector, and 21.16% the nymphal instar; 14.11% knew triatomines or "kissing bugs" by the name "chirimacha"; 82.57% would accept an entomological survey, 66.80% would submit to a serological study, and 63.90% would participate in a triatomine search. The study shows that the population, despite having very limited knowledge on the disease and its vectors, shows interest in collaborating. Therefore, it is recommended that Chagas disease surveillance and control include educational programs and community participation.

Opportunities for Improved Chagas Disease Vector Control Based on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Communities in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

“…Communities affected by Chagas disease often have biological and ecological knowledge of triatomine vectors, while understanding of parasite transmission and the disease itself is more limited [22]–[27]. Community members' knowledge and perceptions can however be quite variable, depending on the epidemiological importance of Chagas disease in the area, and the intensity of previous vector control and education activities [23], [24], [26], [28], [29].…”

Procesos educativos sobre enfermedad de Chagas con escolares de nivel básico de escuelas públicas de México

“…Otros estudios indagan los conocimientos que tienen los escolares pero sin efectuar intervención educativa. Estos estudios reportan que en general los escolares conocen al vector pero tienen saberes limitados en cuanto a medidas preventivas (14,15) . Nuestro estudio es diferente ya que la intervención educativa permitió el incremento de conocimientos y la participación en acciones preventivas.…”

Avaliação de conhecimentos e práticas que adultos e crianças têm acerca da doença de Chagas e seus vetores em região endêmica de Minas Gerais, Brasil

“…Nota-se que as crianças devem ser devidamente incluídas na participação comunitária para o controle da doença de Chagas e de outras endemias, uma vez que elas se conscientizam mais facilmente que os adultos quanto às mudanças de hábitos e ficam entusiasmadas para auxiliar no programa 22,39 . Segundo trabalho clássico de Dias & Garcia 25 , o meio de comunicação entre as pessoas e o órgão executivo central pode ser múltiplo e variado, dependendo das condições e possibilidades de cada um.…”