Ecosystem applied to the dengue control at local level: an approach based in the social reproduction

SUMMARY OF THESIS

Ecosystem applied to the dengue control at local level: an approach based in the social reproduction

SANTOS, Solange Laurentino - Abordagem ecossistêmica aplicada ao controle da dengue no nível local: um enfoque com base na reprodução social. Recife, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 2009. (Tese de Doutorado em Saúde Pública).

This study addresses the problem of dengue fever, an infectious disease transmitted by vectors, whose transmission involves complex biological, behavioral, ecological, political and economic factors. At local level, where action is taken to control the disease, it has proved difficult to do so effectively. This is a case study, with some of the characteristics of activity-research, carried out in the Municipality of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. It analyzes the Dengue Control Program; identifies the socio-environmental factors related to transmission of the disease; evaluates the perception of the transmission process, its determinants and control measures in social players; characterizes the existing risk and proposes an explanatory/comprehensive model based on the social reproduction of health. The study is based on analysis of documents, interviews with the municipal program's technical staff, and a survey of the residents of the Santa Rosa community, selected by way of systematic sampling and direct observation at meetings and capacity building events. The results show that several components of the Municipal Dengue Control Program operate only partially, with control of the vector being the most effective component. The control of vector foci is carried out using chemical substances, of whose risks neither technicians, health agents or the community at large are aware. The technical staff understands that living conditions have a significant impact on the transmission of the disease, but they blame individuals for not removing potential dengue vector breeding grounds. The inhabitants of Santa Rosa demonstrate adequate knowledge of the morphological and behavioral characteristics of the vector, they receive regular information on the transmission of the disease and the action that individuals and health agents can take to control the disease. They are, however, unaware that the larvicidal product used in the water reservoirs is a chemical agent and they drink this water. Control of the vector has proved insufficient and, although some efforts are made to treat water, there is still a risk of dengue fever transmission. Risks of a biological, political and economical nature were also observed. The characterization of the micro-context of the study clearly demonstrated the risk factors specific to the location and this will be useful in building up an explanatory model to help rethink the linear model used to control the vector. Action should be encouraged that aims to control dengue fever in an integrated fashion, taking into account specific contextual, environmental and behavioral features.

Solange Laurentino Gomes

Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n

Campus da UFPE

50670-420 Recife, PE, Brasil

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail], [e-mail]

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  29 Apr 2010
• Date of issue
  Apr 2010