2017, Number 3
Knowledge, perceptions and practices related to soiltransmitted helminthiases
Moreira PY, Fong GA, Domenech CI, Hernández BY, Baldriche ÁJ, Sollet CY, Álvarez GD, Fonte GL
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Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 1-15
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ABSTRACT
Introduction: almost all soil-transmitted helminthiasis control programs implemented in countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America have targeted the population at risk (via mass deparasitation actions and health education, and, when possible, environmental sanitation measures), neglecting the important role played by doctors in those populations. When equipped with the required cognitive tools, doctors are opinion leaders whose participation is crucial in any attempt to control soil-transmitted helminthiases.Objective: evaluate the knowledge, perceptions and practices of community doctors from the municipalities of Playa and San Miguel del Padrón in Havana, in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and control of soil-transmitted helminthiases.
Methods: a survey about knowledge, perceptions and practices in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and control of soil-transmitted helminthiases was developed, subjected to expert criteria and validated. The questionnaire was applied to the universe of resident doctors and Comprehensive General Medicine specialists from the municipalities of Playa and San Miguel del Padrón. The sample was composed of 213 doctors from the network of consultation offices and polyclinics in the aforementioned municipalities. The study period was December 2014 to March 2015. The information obtained were statiscally processed and a value of p< 0.05 was considered to be significant.
Results: insufficient knowledge, inadequate perceptions and incorrect practices in relation to the diagnosis, treatment and control of soil-transmitted helminthiases were found among the doctors surveyed.
Conclusions: results suggest that it may be required to perform a number of actions in the form of interventions, aimed at enhancing expertise by these professionals so they can carry out an appropriate diagnosis, treatment and control of soil-transmitted helminthiases.