American cutaneous leishmaniasis among Xakriabá indians: images, ideas, conceptions, and strategies for prevention and control

Authors

  • Juliana Lúcia Costa Santos Escola de Saúde de Minas Gerais
  • Marilene de Barros Melo Escola de Saúde de Minas Gerais
  • Raquel Aparecida Ferreira Fiocruz; Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou
  • Ana Flávia Quintão Fonseca Escola de Saúde de Minas Gerais
  • Michely de Lima Ferreira Vargas Escola de Saúde de Minas Gerais
  • Célia Maria Ferreira Gontijo Fiocruz; Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902014000300024

Abstract

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is an infectious disease expanding in Xakriabá indigenous community, located in northern Minas Gerais. The ACL is a important public health problem due to poor living conditions of indigenous, high incidence and disorders that causes the life of affected individuals. This study aimed to identify the images, ideas, conceptions, attitudes and conditions related to practices of prevention and care of ACL in the indigenous community Xakriabá. This is an action research qualitative approach. Interviews were conducted with: indigenous leaders, health professionals, managers in the field of health and education; Focus groups were conducted with: health professionals and education, as well as users of the Unified Health System. Speeches were recorded by signature a Letter of Consent. The recordings were transcribed and analyzed using the technique of content analysis. The content seized from the speeches outlined the following categories: images, ideas and conceptions about the disease; understanding of the elements disease cycle; socioeconomic and cultural aspects that hinder prevention. It was evident that the prevention and control of ACL in Indian Village Xakriabá is not a simple problem to be solved. Thus, educational activities are important tools for understanding the disease, formulation and implementation of prevention strategies. Therefore, it is important apprehension about the conceptions, images and ideas that people have about the disease, before any intervention in the community, in order to create control and prevention strategies together with them.

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Published

2014-09-01

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Articles

How to Cite

American cutaneous leishmaniasis among Xakriabá indians: images, ideas, conceptions, and strategies for prevention and control . (2014). Saúde E Sociedade, 23(3), 1033-1048. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902014000300024