Educação em saúde e prevenção de doenças parasitológicas: relato de experiência na comunidade Jerusalém do Rio Uaicurapá-Parintins AM

Abstract

Health education represents one of the main forms of integration between universities and communities, promoting social transformation through the exchange of knowledge. In this context, educational practices aimed at health promotion were developed in the Jerusalém Community, located in the rural area of Parintins (Amazonas, Brazil), a region marked by social vulnerability and lack of basic sanitation. Based on the analysis of local conditions, lectures were conducted focusing on the prevention of parasitic diseases such as ascariasis, hookworm infection, giardiasis, and amebiasis, which are common in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure. Objective: To analyze the impact of educational activities and health promotion lectures on awareness, prevention, and control of parasitic diseases in rural communities of Parintins. Methodology: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, based on literature review from scientific databases such as SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar, in addition to direct observations carried out during extension activities. Results and discussion: The educational interventions revealed the importance of health promotion in communities lacking basic sanitation and access to potable water. The knowledge acquired during the lectures contributed to behavioral changes regarding hygiene practices and strengthened awareness about the prevention of intestinal parasitic infections, reducing health risks in the community. Conclusion: University extension activities focused on health education are essential for the prevention and control of parasitic diseases in rural areas. The continuity of such initiatives contributes to improving the population’s quality of life by fostering environmental care and strengthening collective sanitary awareness.