SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT AND PERCEPTION OF CHAGAS DISEASE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BENJAMIN CONSTANT-AM

Abstract

The socio-environmental reality that disrespects social problems and their relationship with environmental problems become parameters for discussion and public policies to achieve sustainable development. In this aspect, in the state of Amazonas in recent years, Chagas disease has been increasing with cases in rural and urban areas of cities and one of the main factors that has been observed is the oral form of contamination of the disease. Therefore, this study analyzed the perception of urban residents and artisanal producers about Chagas disease and socio-environmental practices in the municipality of Benjamin Constant in Alto Solimões, Amazonas. This is a bibliographic, documentary and field study with a qualitative and descriptive approach. The techniques used to collect data were interviews guided by a semi-structured form containing questions about Chagas disease and socio-environmental issues. The support used for field activities were colored images of the barber bug (triatomine) and etiological agent, informative folder and photographic records. From the documentary survey, information was acquired from the Health Surveillance Units and the Health Department in the collection municipalities. The study reached a total sample of 115 individuals, distributed among 100 residents of the urban population and 15 artisanal açaí producers in the municipality of Benjamin Constant-AM. The general age range ranged from 19 to 80 years old and the gender that stood out the most was female. Finally, it was found that all two social groups interviewed were not aware of Chagas disease, but understand the importance of local socio-environmental issues in the region. It is understood that in the Alto Solimões region, in the state of Amazonas, cultural, social and economic determinants justify local environmental, public health and social inequalities issues. To this end, educational, environmental awareness and health education activities become necessary for the prevention of Chagas disease and socio-environmental practices as a focus in the structure of public management planning in the municipalities of Alto Solimões.