Nível de conhecimento dos enfermeiros da atenção básica sobre leishmaniose na cidade de Colinas-MA

Abstract

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a group of tropical diseases that comprise one of the seven world endemics, affecting mainly the poorest population. Classically, it is a disease that affects rural areas, but it has been expanding to different areas. Worldwide, it is the second parasitic disease with the highest mortality rate. With the number of cases and the increasing number of affected areas, it is important that there are adequate forms of control and treatment, because of this, the presence of professionals prepared to combat and manage leishmaniasis is necessary. Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge of primary care nurses about Leishmaniasis in the city of Colinas-MA. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study carried out using a closed questionnaire containing 15 closed questions applied to Family Health Strategy (ESF) Nurses. The study was carried out in the city of Colinas, located in the state of Maranhão, with 10 nurses who live in the city of Colinas-MA, urban area and work in Basic Health Units. The results obtained through Google Forms were sent to the Microsoft Excel ® program and the percentages and averages related to the main data of the questionnaire were obtained. Results and Discussion: Due to the fundamental role of nurses in combating and treating leishmaniasis, it is essential that they are able to know the basic and complex aspects of the disease. It is expected that health professionals are always up to date with the evidence and innovations that frequently emerge. The participants had an average of 75% of correct answers, showing a satisfactory level of knowledge, with practices recommended and supported by the WHO. On the other hand, issues such as signs and symptoms of VL were confused with those of TL, in addition, some participants showed difficulty regarding the forms of transmission and treatment. Such adversity can be circumvented with training focused on the management of tropical diseases. Conclusion: The participants were aware of the main aspects related to the management, diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis, however, errors still occurred in the related questions, which requires training and constant updating of professionals about the disease. In this work, it was possible to explore aspects related to the disease, observe the practices of nurses working in the ESF and how they play their role in the management of leishmaniasis.