Educational actions as part of trachoma prophylaxis in São Paulo state (1906-1908)

Abstract

In this article, we discuss how health education outside the school environment was highlighted as part of the preventive measures of the Trachoma Prophylaxis and Treatment Commission from 1906 to 1908 in combination with the therapeutic care of trachoma patients. Through evidence found in government reports, news reports, medical articles and state legislation, we seek to show how the government of São Paulo State promoted prophylactic campaigns against trachoma by distributing pamphlets and posters that, combined with the systematic action of government health agents, attempted to promote the dissemination of guidelines on hygiene among the population, pointing out which practices they intended to instill or modify.

Keywords:
health education; endemic disease; informal education; public health