Dimensões socioambientais e a ocorrência dos primeiros casos de Leishmaniose visceral humana: um estudo na área de abrangência da Regional de Saúde de Varginha - MG

Abstract

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected endemic disease that affects underprivileged populations and is associated with poor housing conditions, poverty, high canine population density and inadequate living conditions. The environmental change caused by the impact of population growth causes an imbalance of life forms that integrate the territory, with their natural diversity generating risks and harms to public health. The present study aims to know the main factors related to the occurrence of confirmed cases of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (HVL) in Lavras / MG. An observational and descriptive study was conducted, with the practice of qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Interviews were conducted with families who had confirmed cases of LVH, health agents in the affected neighborhoods, responsible for the protocol to combat the disease for Health Surveillance, and masters and doctoral students at the Federal University of Lavras. Three central themes were addressed: characterization of the socioeconomic profile of notified families, environmental perceptions and aspects related to VL. Through the analysis of the data it was confirmed that all the cases that occurred in the city of Lavras involved low income people, predominance of the black population in 77.5% of cases and 37.5% of children up to four years old showing that the disease, besides being neglected, is directly related to vulnerable populations. The study revealed that both family members and health agents had difficulties understanding the epidemiological cycle of the disease, showing the need for continuous and participatory training. The study identified that a greater focus of the authorities on humanized public policies is needed, an enabling tool to prepare individuals to be the agents of transformation and sustainability of their territory, so that they can act and thus reduce and therefore eliminate the focus of transmissi on, especially health agents who are inserted in the environment and can act directly with these issues.