Abstract

CABALLERO BALLETB, Lara Micaela et al. Level of knowledge about Chagas disease among individuals attending the National Hospital of Itaugu during the period August-November 2024. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2025, vol.23, n.1, e23122502.  Epub May 30, 2025. ISSN 1812-9528.  https://doi.org/10.18004/mem.iics/1812-9528/2025.e23122502.

Chagas disease is a systemic parasitosis transmitted by triatomines and caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a public health issue in Latin America, where a lack of knowledge about the disease hinders its prevention and early detection. The objective is to determine the level of knowledge about Chagas disease among people attending the Hospital Nacional de Itaugu, Paraguay, from August to November 2024. A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was conducted. Individuals over 18 years old who attended the hospital during the study period were included. A survey was applied using a questionnaire with 18 closed-ended questions, covering sociodemographic data and knowledge about the disease. Descriptive statistics were performed using the Epi Info 7.2 program. A total of 110 people participated; 56.4% did not know the vector, 40.9% identified it as chich guasu, 64.5% believed it inhabits adobe houses, and 79% considered that the disease was transmitted mostly via vectors. However, 79% of participants demonstrated inadequate overall knowledge about the disease. The low level of knowledge about Chagas disease highlights the need to strengthen educational and dissemination strategies, especially among vulnerable populations. Promoting accessible and accurate information is essential to improving prevention, facilitating early diagnosis, and reducing the disease's impact on public health.

Keywords : Chagas; Trypanosoma cruzi; Paraguay; Triatomine Bugs; Chich guasu.

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