Socioeconomic profile and perceptions of Chagas disease in indigenous communities of the Paraguayan Chaco

Abstract

Chagas disease continues to be a problem in indigenous communities of the Paraguayan Central Chaco because of the high infection prevalence. The study area presents great environmental and biological diversity, high temperatures, low rainfall, poverty and rapid vector reinfestation. This descriptive study analyzed the demographic and socioeconomic profiles and knowledge, beliefs and attitudes toward Chagas disease in four indigenous communities. A household survey was used as an instrument for gathering information from 270 families as well as a survey of social networks, in-depth interviews and focus groups with key informants and four participatory diagnoses. A high percentage of the studied population did not know about the disease (72%), but 80% of them identified the presence of the main vector in their homes. They had poor knowledge of the vector as an annoying bug to be eliminated (19%) and did not relate it to the disease. Half of the population thinks that there is no risk of contracting the disease, which could be curable (52.7%). Work activities were linked to Mennonite groups, and solidarity cooperation and mutual aid with exchanges of favors, mainly related to food, were common. There is no knowledge about Chagas disease in these communities because of different factors, including not associating symptoms with the disease, the predominance of ethnic languages, which limit the education process, and lack of access to public health. National Chagas Program efforts should be complemented by other programs with health education and improved learning conditions based on a comprehensive approach according to the rights and specific cultural characteristics of these populations.