Educação em saúde e meio ambiente como método para ampliar o conhecimento de estudantes sobre a doença de Chagas e o inseto barbeiro

Abstract

“Kissing bugs”, belonging to the class Insecta, order Hemiptera, subfamily Triatominae, are responsible for transmitting the protozoan that causes Chagas disease, a condition that can be asymptomatic or symptomatic, with the highest probability of diagnosis in its chronic stage, a critical phase of the disease. This condition mainly occurs due to the lack of population knowledge related to its vector, modes of transmission, types of symptoms, and prophylaxis. The present study aims to promote awareness among students of Irmã Maria José School, located in the municipality of Santana, in the metropolitan region of Macapá-AP, about triatomines and Chagas disease, through health and environmental education. To achieve this, lectures focusing on correct identification, capture, symptoms, and vector control were conducted. To evaluate the effectiveness of the activities, questionnaires were administered at the beginning and end of the dynamics, in addition to interactive exhibitions. As an extension of this theme, an informative poster was created and attached in schools in the municipalities of Macapá and Santana. Through these methodologies, it was observed that students who participated in the lectures, questionnaires, and exhibitions had a weak understanding of Chagas disease and the kissing bug. Furthermore, the authorities of the institutions that received the informative poster were aware of this issue, albeit in an incipient manner. At the end of the study, it was possible to conclude that there is a fragility of knowledge about Chagas disease and its vector, however, the application of health and environmental education methodology was effective in sensitizing students as the target audience. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the need for health and environmental education practices in the state of Amapá, to promote greater disease prevention, thus assisting in current and future public health policies.