Abstract

PARDO FLORES, Evelyn Wendy et al. Implementation of a communication model in Chagas based on the peer education strategy . Gac Med Bol [online]. 2019, vol.42, n.2, pp.117-121. ISSN 1012-2966.

Objectives:  this study aims to identify changes in the perspectives, knowledges, attitudes and practices of the relatives of a group of patients treated in the Platform of integral care of Chagas, and trained as peer educators, and if that changes led to an increase of the Chagas demand in the health services of Valle Alto, in Cochabamba department. Methods:  we compared the results of the survey conducted on 32 relatives of 8 patients trained in 2018 (group A) with a similar survey conducted on 64 family members of 16 patients treated in 2017 (group B) who were not specifically trained, but received the counseling routinely provided by the health staff. Results:  the results show that relatives of peer educators have modified their knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceptions about Chagas disease and this change has influenced the demand for diagnosis of this disease. Conclusions:  the strategy of peer education has proven to be effective, easy to apply by a nursing staff in the 1ª and 2ª levels of care, and allows reaching affected families at an affordable cost.

Keywords : Chagas disease; peer education; health care access.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )