Community knowledge about Chagas disease in a municipality in Northeast of Brazil

Resumen

Objective: this study aimed to assess community knowledge about about Chagas disease in the municipality of Lago dos Rodrigues, state of Maranhão, Northeast of Brazil. Methods: a questionnaire containing 20 multiple-choice questions was administered to 263 participants, and their sociodemographic data were also analyzed. Results: study participants demonstrated a limited and fragmented understanding of aspects related to disease prevention,
transmission, etiological agent, and vector, revealing important gaps in the comprehension of these elements. Conclusions: the population’s knowledge in Lago dos Rodrigues showed statistically significant associations with social factors. Although a large proportion of the population recognizes the disease vector, incorrect conceptions regarding the etiological agent, transmission routes, and preventive measures for this parasitosis.