ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEPTION OF EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS ON THE TEACHING OF ARBOVIROSES IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: COMPARATIVE STUDY IN TWO REGIONS OF PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

This work carried out a comparative study of the perception of basic education professionals about teaching and combating arboviruses in the school context. After approval by the ethics committee, electronic questionnaires were sent to collect demographic data, knowledge, and practices in the field of arboviruses from professionals working in elementary schools located in two regions of the state of Pernambuco (Recife Metropolitan Area, RMR; and Salgueiro Microregion, MRS). In general, professionals had difficulties in correctly identifying diseases that are caused by mosquitoes and, specifically, arboviruses. However, a greater number of correct answers to the question about arboviruses was observed among MRS professionals, which was correlated with a greater perception of the contribution of their training to the teaching of arboviruses (p<0.05). MRS professionals also reported fewer potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and a greater perception of the work of endemic agents and the School Health Program (p< 0.05). The two groups highlighted the absence of continuing education in the schools where they work, as well as a deficit with regard to the availability of didactic materials. In addition, more MRS professionals reported that their schools promoted 'Workshops and/or lectures' (Χ²= 9.109; P= 0.0025), 'Science projects' (Χ²= 4.864; P= 0.0274). The work made it possible to identify the biggest challenges faced by professors in the context of teaching arboviruses, thus allowing the proposition of actions (improvements, development of new teaching materials, etc.) so that they can be agents of prevention and combat against arboviruses.