Impact of an educational program related to basic knowledge of Chagas disease in a population of the Argentine Northeast.

Abstract

In Avia Terai city, in Northeast of Argentina, a local program of Prevention and Control of Chagas disease was developed, guided by the principles of Primary Health Care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in knowledge regarding Chagas disease after the implementation of the strategy of Information, Education and Social Communication component of the local program in the urban area of Avia Terai in 2012. A cross-sectional design was used in two moments. A multistage sampling was carried out. The unit of analysis corresponded to heads of household of the selected house. A questionnaire adapted from Sanmartino and Crocco was used, which includes 3 dimensions and 15 basic knowledge referring to Chagas disease. Results. 609 residents were surveyed. Regarding the level of basic knowledge about Chagas disease, in level III an increase was observed in 2012 with respect to the previous year, from 56.6% to 66.2% (p> 0.0001). While regarding the congenital transmission, a decrease in the proportion of correct responses was observed. Conclusion. After the implementation of a local program of information, education and social communication, an increase in basic knowledge about Chagas disease was observed. 609 residents were surveyed. Regarding the level of basic knowledge about Chagas disease, in level III an increase was observed in 2012 with respect to the previous year, from 56.6% to 66.2% (p> 0.0001). While regarding the congenital transmission, a decrease in the proportion of correct responses was observed. After the implementation of a local program of information, education and social communication, an increase in basic knowledge about Chagas disease was observed.