Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding cutaneous larva migrans in deprived communities in Manaus, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM) is a neglected parasitic skin disease commonly found in resource-poor communities in tropical countries. It is acquired via skin contact with faeces of cats and dogs, and causes intense pruritus and significant morbidity. Methodology: We investigated knowledge, attitudes and practices in caregivers of patients with HrCLM by performing focus group discussions (FGDs) with 20 mothers of children with HrCLM in two endemic urban communities in Manaus, Brazil. Additionally, socio-demographic data of 70 actively detected HrCLM patients in both areas were obtained by using questionnaires. Results: We found that mainly children who lived in large households and habitually walked barefoot were affected. Family income was low, housing was poor, and food shortage common. In the FGDs, mothers described HrCLM as a severely distressing condition with considerable impact on individual and family life. Conclusion: Inadequate treatment practices and the identification of poverty-related obstacles for practical prevention of HrCLM by the mothers of affected children indicate that both health education and improvement of living conditions are required jointly.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hookworm-Related Cutaneous Larva Migrans (HrCLM) in a Resource-Poor Community in Manaus, Brazil

“…The resulting scratching leads to denudation of the skin, which facilitates bacterial superinfection of the lesion [ 1 , 8 , 9 ]. Additional skin injury may be caused by inappropriate surgical manipulation of the lesion and treatment with toxic substances [ 10 ].…”

Neoplastic patients’ knowledge about intestinal parasitoses in southern Brazil

“…Other preventive measures were rarely mentioned, but they are also important: wearing shoes, for instance. Being barefoot is a risk factor for many infections, mainly in a population that is more susceptible to different pathogens (Lesshafft et al, 2011;Schär et al, 2013;Rivero et al, 2017). In addition, the use of potable water (Amuta et al, 2010) and care towards the origin, preparation and consumption of foods should be highlighted because they are modes of transmission, especially when they are either consumed in natura or undercooked (Nyarango et al, 2008;Dorny et al, 2009).…”

Prevention of intestinal parasites in a tri‐border area of Latin America: Children perceptions and an integral health education strategy

“…Therefore, any recommendation on this issue should take into account the actual agency to accomplish it, encouraging personal hygiene measures, selecting healthy places to play and involving mothers in the educational strategy. Although a core habit and so difficult to change, walking barefoot is a risk factor in many infections (Lesshafft et al, 2011;Schär et al, 2013;Winter, Oliveira, Wilcke, Heukelbach, & Feldmeier, 2009), as that by Strongyloides stercoralis that is endemic in the region and is responsible for systemic infections with severe complications, particularly in immune-compromised hosts (Beknazarova, Whiley, & Ross, 2016).…”

“…Therefore, it is of paramount importance to know population's perceptions and attitudes about parasitic infections to develop properly educational activities and to achieve success (Lesshafft et al, 2011;Nasr, Al-Mekhlafi, Ahmed, Roslan, & Bulgiba, 2013;Sy, 2009). Obtaining this information from the higher risk groups, such as school children population, is even more significant and productive to guide an intervention delivering specific and clear messages (Vivas et al, 2010;Yevstigneyeva, Camara-Mejia, & Dumonteil, 2014).…”