Abstract
BackgroundChagas disease (CD) is a life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by triatomine bugs. Triatomine bugs inhabit poorly constructed homes that create multiple hiding spots for the bugs. Modifying the actual structure of a home, along with the homeowners’ practices, can reduce triatomine infestation. This research was designed to collect culturally-relevant information to develop a health campaign to decrease risk of CD transmission by promoting home maintenance and better hygiene in rural communities of southern Ecuador.Methods and main findingsThe Health Belief Model (HBM) guided focus group discussions and the interpretation of the results. Four focus groups ranging from 4 to 10 participants were conducted between May and June 2014 in three communities of Loja province in Southern Ecuador. A thematic analysis was used to identify within the data related to perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers and self-efficacy related to CD and its prevention. The results provide clear guidance for the development of Chagas-prevention messages.ConclusionData obtained emphasize the importance of standardizing messages presented to the communities for CD prevention. Messages should provide more information on the protective nature of the behaviors promoted for CD prevention; overcoming barriers such as cost and convenience, and build on facilitating factors, including community members’ interest on quality of life, protection of their families, and relationship with the land.
Highlights
Chagas disease (CD) is a life- threatening illness that affects 7 to 10 million of people around the world
Data obtained emphasize the importance of standardizing messages presented to the communities for CD prevention
Messages should provide more information on the protective nature of the behaviors promoted for CD prevention; overcoming barriers such as cost and convenience, and build on facilitating factors, including community members’ interest on quality of life, protection of their families, and relationship with the land
Summary
Chagas disease (CD) is a life- threatening illness that affects 7 to 10 million of people around the world. The disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi [1]. The main vectors for T. cruzi transmission are triatomine insects, nocturnal blood-sucking insects mainly found in the southern United States and in most of Central and South America. CD is a leading cause of deaths and lost disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from neglected tropical diseases NTDs in Latin America; it is the most important parasitic disease in the region [3, 4]. Chagas disease (CD) is a life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by triatomine bugs.
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