PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS FROM A UNIVERSITY IN SANTOS/SP ABOUT PARASITOSES

Abstract

Human parasitosis, intestinal or blood-borne, are a public health problem in Brazil, mainly due to the tropical climate and lack of basic sanitation in poor regions. The study aimed to understand the perception of university students about parasitic diseases in general, such as forms of infection, prophylaxis and the relationship of some behaviors with parasitic infections. The study was conducted using a questionnaire with 14 closed-ended and multiple-choice questions for undergraduate students for UNISANTA. It was observed that the most well-know parasitoses among students in the health area was Taeniasis (93,1%), while among students in other areas it was Schistosomiasis (97,1%) and that participants in all áreas do not usually wash their hands before going to the bathroom (51,6%).

Keywords: Parasites; Questionnaire; Students; Perception; Undergraduate