Revista Ciência em Extensão (Aug 2012)
Zoonoses and responsible ownership: perceptions and attitudes among elementary school children
Abstract
Considering the frequent occurrence of zoonoses, especially among children, knowledge about these diseases and responsible ownership is essential from the point of view of public health. In this sense, the school represents an appropriate environment for working knowledge and behavior change, where children assume the role of multipliers. The aim of this study was to report the experience with health education in elementary schools and analyzing the knowledge and attitudes of children and zoonoses on responsible pet ownership. This research was based on observations and questionnaires for extension activities on zoonoses and responsible ownership in four public schools located in the outskirts of São Luís, Maranhão, from March 2008 to March 2010. We interviewed 249 fifth graders of elementary school, and of these 87.1% (217) claimed to have pets in their homes. In caring for the animals, the children said to adopt important measures such as vaccination against rabies in national campaigns, visits to the doctor and veterinary application of anthelmintics, however, 12.9% (28), showed disregard for responsible ownership of animals by claiming not to take any prophylactic measure. It was noteworthy that the percentage of students 69.1% (150) which recognized the possibility of contracting a disease of animals, and more than half the children surveyed, about 58.9% (128), quoted some zoonotic disease contracted by herself , family member or acquaintance. Among the zoonoses, leptospirosis were quoted at 2.7% (6) of fatal cases among family members and / or acquaintances of the students; cutaneous larva migrans 39.6% (86); tungiasis 9.2% (20), cutaneous leishmaniasis 5.5% (12), cysticercosis 1.3% (3); taeniasis 0.4% (1). These data led to believe that a considerable lack of information on zoonoses and responsible ownership among children belonging to underprivileged communities studied here. We conclude that awareness of children not only about diseases transmitted by animals, but on responsible ownership, constitutes an important instrument for promoting public health and to reduce the risk of transmission of zoonoses.
