Pequenos vigilantes em ação em tempos de pandemia: educação sanitária em escolas do município de Raposa-MA

Abstract

The present study aimed to guide students from the 5th and 6th year of elementary school on the importance of good health practices in society. The place chosen for the development of the extension project was the municipality of Raposa-MA, where two elementary schools were selected. The study was divided into three stages: i) application of previous questionnaires; ii) health education activity through orientation lectures and iii) application of post questionnaires to evaluate the knowledge assimilated in the previous stage. A total of 84 students participated voluntarily in the project. In the first moment, the questions were made to draw a profile of the participants, through which it was found that most of them were female, 11 years old and with pets in their homes, with 52, 38%; 39.29%; 84.52%, respectively. Regarding health practices, 58.33% stated that they only go to the doctor when they are sick and 97.62% believe that adopting good health practices is important to avoid diseases. Although most know that animals can transmit diseases 90.48%, many are unaware of the term zoonoses 86.91%. In the second moment, the lectures (online and in person) on topics related to health, had the interactive participation of the students. In the following evaluation, it was observed that students have notions about personal hygiene and recognize the importance of washing their hands 96,43% and the purpose of this act 97.62%. When asked what would be the importance of knowledge regarding zoonoses, 96.43% said that it would help to prevent diseases that affect humans and animals. It is concluded that the methodology adopted allowed a different approach to important issues for the routine adoption of hygiene practices and good health practices.