title: [Knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning Chagas disease in schoolchildren from an endemic area in Peru].
abstract: This study analyzes knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning Chagas disease among 241 primary schoolchildren in "La Tinguiña", Ica, Peru (December 2000 - January 2001). Less than 1% of those interviewed knew that triatomines transmit Chagas disease, while nearly a quarter recognized the illness based on the appearance of "lumps" on the skin; 35.27% knew that vector infestation is controlled using insecticides; 26.56% recognized the adult stage of the vector, and 21.16% the nymphal instar; 14.11% knew triatomines or "kissing bugs" by the name "chirimacha"; 82.57% would accept an entomological survey, 66.80% would submit to a serological study, and 63.90% would participate in a triatomine search. The study shows that the population, despite having very limited knowledge on the disease and its vectors, shows interest in collaborating. Therefore, it is recommended that Chagas disease surveillance and control include educational programs and community participation.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga de Ica, Ica, Perú. rcabrerach@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Rufino
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mayo
authors.forename: Nicolás
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Suárez
authors.forename: César
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Infante
authors.forename: César
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Náquira
authors.forename: Marco Tulio A
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: García-Zapata
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D002648:Child; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D008297:Male; D010568:Peru / Q000453:epidemiology; D014224:Triatoma
vernacular_title: Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la enfermedad de Chagas en población escolar de una zona endémica del Perú.