Percepções dos profissionais de saúde do município de Sousa-PB sobre leishmaniose visceral

Abstract

<p class="Normal1">The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge of health professionals in Sousa’s basic care units about Visceral Leishmaniasis. 100 epidemiological questionnaires were applied with Community Health Agents, Nursing Technicians, Nurses and Doctors. It was observed that, among the 100 professionals interviewed, 88% stated that Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis, 97% know Leishmaniasis by the name of Kala-azar. Regarding the transmission of Leishmaniasis, 80% of professionals believe that it happens through the bite of the infected mosquito. However, only 78% of professionals recognize that the etiological agent is protozoan. In relation to the treatment for Leishmaniasis, 100% of the professionals interviewed believe that there is treatment for this disease, and 90% mentioned that there was a cure. About the existence of a vaccine, 69% said it did not exist. Regarding control and prophylaxis measures, 34% refer to diagnostic tests on people and animals. In relation to the prevention of Leishmaniasis, 65% of professionals gave their opinion on preventing the spread of the mosquito and informing preventive measures. It is concluded that there are still conceptual gaps in health professionals in the municipality of Sousa - PB, about Visceral Leishmaniasis, with the need to implement permanent education processes for these professionals, contextualizing the information about leishmaniasis to the studied reality.</p>