Percepção da população sobre a Leishmaniose Visceral, Varginha/MG, Brasil

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease of great public health importance, which causes severe splenic and liver damage. Its lethality is considered high, especially in children, the elderly and the immunosuppressed. It particularly affects the low-income population, considered one of the neglected diseases that are difficult to control and treat. In Brazil, it is of great importance due to the lethality in humans and the large number of dogs affected, especially in the state of Minas Gerais, which has the highest prevalence of the disease. Health education is essential in controlling this zoonosis. The objective of this study was to compare the perception of the population of neighborhoods with lower and higher incidence of canine VL in Varginha/MG about the disease and its control. For this, 309 interviews were applied in a cluster sampling with semi-structured forms and validated by other studies, containing questions aimed at knowledge and general perception about human and canine visceral leishmaniasis. The interviewee's profile and their perception of the following themes were addressed: disease, transmission, vector, severity, treatment, control, prevention. Descriptive analysis of data in SPSS/IBM was performed. The analysis of associations between neighborhoods that had human or canine cases and control were performed using the chi-square test, considering p<0.05. There was no difference between the knowledge in the neighborhoods, thus the general profile of the interviewees was drawn. Of these, 50.2% were women, of varying ages, predominantly over 30 years old, with at least 20 complete degrees and income between 1-3 salaries. Of those interviewed, 45,8% said they knew the disease by the name visceral leishmaniasis, around 20% knew something about the vector and 30% about the dog's involvement; 62% have a dog, 21% are semi-domiciled and most have generic, non-specific sanitary care for VL and do not know the symptoms. Control knowledge is non-specific. Lack of knowledge about VL is widespread in the population studied. Even places where canine or human cases have been diagnosed do not have enough information for residents to carry out the control. There is a need to improve health education for the control of VL in Varginha/MG. This is probably the reality in most municipalities in the region. This study should be extended to other cities in MG and Brazil to direct health education actions.