Health education, public information, and communication in schistosomiasis control in Brazil: a brief retrospective and perspectives.

ABSTRACT

PIP: As regards traditional information and participatory information, since the 1960s control campaigns of schistosomiasis in Brazil have emphasized the integration of health education with other measures. Practical educational actions were reflected in the work by Hollanda (1958) carried out in northeast Brazil. Her experience in prevention stressed the importance of the participation of the population in control programs. Garcia (1966) referred to economical factors affecting populations stricken by schistosomiasis. Educational actions in the 1970s and 1980s include the Project for the Environmental Control of Schistosomiasis (1970) carried out in Calciolandia with identification of knowledge modes of the population on schistosomiasis. A new model of fight against the disease with sanitary, medical, and educational components led to the creation in 1976 of the Ministry of Health's Special Program for Schistosomiasis Control with improvement of basic sanitation and health education. Mass media broadcasts were developed, and posters, folders, a documentary film, records, and cassettes were produced. New perspectives in health education, consideration of popular knowledge, and community participation revealed the inadequacy of traditional education in schistosomiasis prevention that requires community participation in information and communication processes. Health education for children entailed information and communication processes in school. High disease prevalence rates were found in the 6-20 year age groups, as well as higher resistance to treatment and higher rates of egg elimination when compared with adults. An amplified health education considers the individuals as an ecosystem where microorganisms live constituting the microbiota. Thus, it is vital to stimulate in children a positive self-image to view themselves in a wider context. Mass media and other material resources have been successful in achieving changes in smoking habits and nutrition, especially when professionals were involved in the preparation of programs. Choosing the best strategy means utilizing mass media, print materials, and drama as communication methods.