O PERFIL DE INFORMAÇÃO SOBRE LEISHMANIOSE VISCERAL DE PACIENTES E PROFISSIONAIS: UM ESTUDO EXPLORATÓRIO EM CAMPO GRANDE, MATO GROSSO DO SUL

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in several endemic areas in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, from the Trypanosomatidae family. It is one of the neglected diseases. In Brazil, it has a high relevance for public health, resulting in the need for measures for its prevention and control. In this context, the One Health approach, by bringing together different areas of knowledge to deal with problems such as zoonoses, has become an essential knowledge tool for public health policy makers. Not all citizens know adequate information about this disease. The present exploratory study analyzes the characteristics of the information that health professionals and patients undergoing treatment for visceral leishmaniasis have about this disease. This research was carried out at the “Hospital dia Professora Esterina Corsini” linked to the “Hospital Universitário Maria Aparecida Pedrossian”, of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (Humap-UFMS/Ebserh). The results demonstrate that many patients treated at this university hospital are unaware of the treatment they are receiving. It also reveals that not all professionals with higher education have correct information about prevention and diagnosis. This study adds to similar ones that point out the importance of scientific dissemination and education initiatives on visceral leishmaniasis so that its prevention and control are more effective.