title: [Knowledge and risk factors related to Chagas' disease in two Panamanian communities where Rhodnius pallescens is the main vector].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The implementation of surveillance, control and prevention measures for Chagas´ disease requires an integrated approach. The sustainability of programs depends on community participation supported on a basic understanding of the problem.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the knowledge of people interviewed which facilitates or limits the surveillance, prevention and control of Chagas' disease in two endemic Panamanian communities where Rhodnius pallescens is the main vector.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire assessed the knowledge and risk factors related to Chagas' disease in 201 people over 10 years of age from the endemic communities of Las Pavas and Lagartera Grande located on the western shore of Panama Canal. Additionally, with the help of the residents, the presence of triatomine bugs in 93 dwellings was evaluated during a year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of those interviewed, 69.2% (139/201) had poor or very poor knowledge about Chagas' disease. Nearly 93% (187/201) was exposed to moderate or high risk factors. Triatomine bugs were collected in 20.4% (19/93) of the evaluated homes; 80% (66/76) of them were R. pallescens. Significant association was found between the presence of triatomines inside the houses and precarious housing (p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite having been exposed to health education-related programs, it is necessary to strengthen the basic knowledge about Chagas' disease in the two communities before establishing prevention and surveillance measures which involve active participation of its inhabitants.
authors: Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: Lisbeth A
authors: LA
authors: Hurtado
authors: Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: José E
authors: JE
authors: Calzada
authors: Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: Vanessa
authors: V
authors: Pineda
authors: Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: Kadir
authors: K
authors: González
authors: Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: Ana María
authors: AM
authors: Santamaría
authors: Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: Lorenzo
authors: L
authors: Cáceres
authors: Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: Coridalia
authors: C
authors: Wald
authors: Centro de Investigación y Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Parasitarias (CIDEP), Faculta de Medicina, Universidad de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
authors: Azael
authors: A
authors: Saldaña
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D002648:Child; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010176:Panama / Q000453:epidemiology; D012239:Rhodnius / Q000469:parasitology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult