Awareness of Chagas disease and socioeconomic characteristics of Bolivian immigrants living in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Silva, Rubens Antonio da; Wanderley, Dalva Marli Valério; Forsyth, Colin; Leite, Ruth Moreira; Luna, Expedito José de Albuquerque; Júnior, Nivaldo Carneiro; Shikanai-Yasuda, Maria Aparecida

doi:10.1590/s1678-9946202062039

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…However, the symptoms of the disease were unknown to almost half of the respondents. Although awareness of the disease’s severity is not common in other studies [ 9 , 22 ], lack of knowledge regarding CD signs and symptoms is common [ 9 , 12 , 24 , 25 ]. Chagas disease is a silent disease, one that is mostly asymptomatic during the indeterminate chronic phase, which makes it difficult to identify signs and later complications.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, most of the Bolivians knew that a blood analysis was necessary to know whether they were positive with CD, although almost 32% believed that this could be known with a routine analysis and, therefore, they did not ask their doctors for a specific diagnosis. Unfortunately, most non-endemic country health systems do not promote CD screening, because practitioners are not aware of CD, vertical transmission or the benefits of prompt diagnosis [ 9 , 30 ]. Improving awareness within the population at risk and amongst health workers has become a priority in order to boost diagnosis and treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in order to improve outcomes for those living with CD. However, scarce knowledge and awareness is one of the barriers that affects access to CD diagnosis and treatment for the population at risk [ 9 ], even in non-endemic countries. Misconceptions acquired in the country of origin are important barriers that prevent immigrants from undergoing screening [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Even when knowledge regarding CD has not always being sufficient to change care-seeking behaviour [ 11 ], awareness has emerged as an important factor for being screened [ 12 ]. Community knowledge relating to vector-borne diseases varies depending on many sociodemographic factors such as gender, department of origin, rurality and educational status that may determine participation in control activities such as screening and treatment [ 9 , 13 , 14 ]. Improved knowledge of CD could lead communities to adopt better health-seeking related behaviours [ 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Improved knowledge of CD could lead communities to adopt better health-seeking related behaviours [ 15 ]. Awareness and knowledge should be understood and addressed in terms of their relationship with socioeconomic inequalities and gaps in the public health response to CD, and cultural differences [ 9 , 16 ]. Therefore, more studies are needed about the knowledge of CD among the population at risk in non-endemic countries.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Key Chagas disease missing knowledge among at-risk population in Spain affecting diagnosis and treatment

et al. 2021

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Background Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America and, over the last few decades, due to population movements, the disease has spread to other continents. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in terms of improving outcomes for those living with Chagas disease. However, poor knowledge and awareness is one of barriers that affects access to Chagas disease diagnosis and treatment for the population at risk. Information regarding immigrants’ knowledge concerning Chagas disease control and prevention is insufficient in non-endemic countries and, therefore, this study sought to assess Chagas disease knowledge and awareness within the Bolivian community residing in Madrid. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in March–August 2017. A total of 376 Bolivians answered a structured questionnaire. A knowledge index was created based on respondents’ knowledge about transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and place to seek treatment. Multivariate logistic regressions analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with respondents’ knowledge of Chagas disease. Results A total 159 (42.4%) of Bolivians interviewed about their knowledge of Chagas disease were men and 217 (57.6%) were women. Vinchuca was mentioned as mode of transmission by 71% of the Bolivians surveyed, while only 9% mentioned vertical transmission. Almost half of the Bolivians did not know any symptom of Chagas disease and only 47% knew that a specific blood test is necessary for diagnosis. Most of Bolivians were aware of the severity of Chagas disease, but 45% of Bolivians said that there is no cure for Chagas and 96% did not know any treatment. Based on the index of knowledge generated, only 34% of Bolivians had a good knowledge about Chagas disease transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, knowledge regarding Chagas disease, diagnosis and treatment was significantly higher amongst older Bolivians who had secondary education at least, as well as amongst those who had already been tested for Chagas disease. Conclusions This study found that most of the Bolivian population living in Spain had poor knowledge about Chagas disease transmission, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment. A poor understanding of the disease transmission and management is one of the most important barriers when it comes to searching for early diagnosis and appropriate care.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Key Chagas disease missing knowledge among at-risk population in Spain affecting diagnosis and treatment

et al. 2021

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Looking through the lens of social science approaches: A scoping review of leishmaniases and Chagas disease research

Nogueira de Brito,

Tanner,

Runk

et al. 2024

Acta Tropica

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Access and right to health for Bolivian migrants in a Brazilian metropolis

et al. 2022

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This paper analyzes the health care accessibility conditions afforded to Bolivian immigrants in the Brazilian health system and their perception of the right to health. This was a cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study carried out from 2013 to 2015. Data were collected by a questionnaire with closed questions answered by 633 Bolivian individuals; questions regarding access to health were answered by 472 immigrants over 18 years old. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 55 subjects (Bolivians, health professionals, representatives of Health Departments, Consulate of Bolivia, Public Defender’s Office, Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office and Non-Governmental Organizations) underwent content analysis. Most Bolivian immigrants know the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) and often use Primary Health Care; however, they described structural and systemic barriers to health accessibility, such as lack of documentation, working conditions, medium and high complexity procedures, language barriers, among others. The National Health Card (CNS) is an important gateway to access health care, playing a role of social integration. Interviewees recognize health as a social right, pointing it out as a human and solidary value. Ensuring this recognition, when not based on the consolidation of social policies aimed at strengthening universal social protection, is threatened.

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Awareness of Chagas disease and socioeconomic characteristics of Bolivian immigrants living in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Cited by 5 publications

References 36 publications

Key Chagas disease missing knowledge among at-risk population in Spain affecting diagnosis and treatment

Key Chagas disease missing knowledge among at-risk population in Spain affecting diagnosis and treatment

Looking through the lens of social science approaches: A scoping review of leishmaniases and Chagas disease research

Access and right to health for Bolivian migrants in a Brazilian metropolis

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