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Risk factors and level of knowledge of Chagas disease in Juan Gómez Rendón parish, Guayas-Ecuador 2020

Abstract:

Chagas disease (CD) caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi transmitted by hematophagous insects of the Triatominae subfamily is one of the most common Public Health problems in Latin American countries, including Ecuador. Objective. To evaluate the risk factors and level of knowledge of Chagas disease, in six towns of the Juan Gómez Rendón parish, Guayas- Ecuador 2020. Methodology. The research was descriptive, cross-sectional, non-experimental, with a sample of 165 heads of household. As a data collection instrument, a questionnaire was used, and the search for triatomines was carried out using the capture / hour / man method, the vector was taxonomically identified by age and the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi involvement by microscopic observation of the feces. Outcome. 42.42% of the heads of families know Chagas as a parasitic disease, no statistically significant difference was found between sex and educational level, on the other hand, occupation and type of home showed a significance in relation to the presence of vectors infected, in houses with bahareque walls without frieze there is a greater risk of finding the parasite, a significant value of the distance to nearby forests and palm trees was obtained, animals in the periphery were shown as a risk factor, the presence of the vector was greater in three localities of the Juan Gómez Rendón parish. The triatomines examined presented natural infection by T. cruzi, confirming Triatoma dimidiata as the main vector of Chagas disease. It is necessary to strengthen and expand preventive and educational measures to combat Chagas disease currently in Ecuador.