O papel do enfermeiro nas ações de proteção, prevenção e promoção da saúde: um plano de intervenção em Leishmaniose no Povoado Esperantina, Santa Luzia, Maranhão

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease endemic to the Americas and is one of the main endemic diseases in the state of Maranhão, prevalent in rural areas of the country, which most lack investments in education and health. It is characterized by being of parasitic origin, whose etiological agent is the protozoan Leishmania, which are transmitted by vector insects known as sandflies, tatuquira, cangalhinha or birigui. It has two clinical forms, tegumentary or cutaneous leishmaniasis (ATL) and visceral or kala-azar (VL). The choice of the theme is justified by the relevance of leishmaniasis, as it is considered one of the most dangerous tropical diseases, in addition to being neglected, representing a public health challenge. The objective of the present study is to carry out health education actions in the villages of Parada do Gavião and Gavião Velho, micro-areas of the Esperantina village, in Santa Luzia-MA, aiming to educate the population about Leishmaniasis. The research is characterized by a quantitative-qualitative approach, with exploratory and descriptive action research, in the field research modality. The reading bases for the preparation of the course completion work (TCC) were analyzed from the study of scientific articles obtained from the PUBMED, Scientific Electronic, Library Online (SciELO) databases, as well as textbooks in the area. The interventions included lectures, home visits, distribution of pamphlets and delivery of repellents in the communities. The results obtained indicated the effectiveness of educational strategies in reducing misinformation about zoonosis and in the adoption of preventive practices, minimizing contact with the vector. It is concluded that the intervention plan implemented in the two endemic communities proved to be effective in increasing the population's awareness of leishmaniasis and reinforced the importance of the nurse as a health educator.