title: Evaluation of students' knowledge as a contribution to dengue control programs.
abstract: This study describes a survey (n=700) carried out in 14 elementary schools in the municipality of Caxias, State of Maranhão, Brazil. The survey was conducted between July and December 2007 in schools from seven neighborhoods on the outskirts of the western part of the municipality, where for the past three years high densities of immature Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been recorded. The students' knowledge of dengue, its vector, and disease prevention was evaluated by targeted questionnaires. The students with the most comprehensive knowledge were found in schools in the Trizidela neighborhood, which has better social and urban conditions than the other neighborhoods. Moreover, educational campaigns are necessary to reinforce behavioral changes of the population, because the existence of breeding sites in the areas examined was mentioned, especially in the Tamarineiro neighborhood. The survey can be used to assist with new educational activities of local teams working with dengue control.
authors: Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Brazil. juliana.bezerra@cpqrr.fiocruz.br
authors: Juliana Maria Trindade
authors: JM
authors: Bezerra
authors: Joelma Soares-da
authors: JS
authors: Silva
authors: Sebastiana Silva
authors: SS
authors: Ibiapina
authors: Wanderli Pedro
authors: WP
authors: Tadei
authors: Valéria Cristina Soares
authors: VC
authors: Pinheiro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003715:Dengue / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013334:Students