Educação em saúde como ferramenta para a prevenção da esquistossomose nos municípios de Barreirinhas-MA, Paulino Neves-MA e Santo Amaro-MA, localizados na região dos Lençóis Maranhenses-MA

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that remains a serious public health problem in Brazil, especially in areas with poor sanitation. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge of the population living in the municipalities of Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, and Paulino Neves, located in the region of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (PNLM), regarding schistosomiasis and its vector. The research was conducted through the application of socioeconomic questionnaires and educational activities, such as lectures and exhibitions at Primary Health Care Units, with the participation of community health agents and local residents. The results showed that most of the population is unaware of the disease, its life cycle, and prevention methods, highlighting the urgency of continuous health education actions. During the activities, it was possible to clarify doubts, especially about the identification of the snail vectors of the disease, and to promote a space for dialogue and knowledge exchange. Health education, together with improvements in sanitation conditions and the work of community health agents, proved to be an effective strategy to expand access to information and contribute to the reduction of disease cases in the region. This work reaffirms the importance of democratizing scientific knowledge as a tool for social transformation and the prevention of neglected diseases