Chagas disease: lack of knowledge as a risk factor

Chagas disease presents not merely as a medical concern but as a multifaceted socio-environmental health issue demanding diverse approaches. In Argentina, an estimated two million individuals are afflicted with Chagas disease, with 600,000 exhibiting clinical manifestations. This study endeavors to gauge the populaces knowledge levels in Anatuya, situated northeast of Santiago del Estero, and to compare comprehension levels between Chagas disease patients and non-patients. Employing a cross-sectional epidemiological design, demographic, socio-economic, and medical data were gathered through surveys from individuals aged 18 and above attending local healthcare facilities. Analysis revealed that among 200 patients, 12% exhibited low, 66% intermediate, and 22% high levels of elementary knowledge regarding Chagas disease, nearing optimal understanding for an endemic region. However, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in knowledge were observed between Chagas and non-Chagas patients in only three out of ten elementary knowledge questions. Moreover, housing quality, a pivotal risk factor for Triatoma Infestans presence, indicated that 78% resided in improved dwellings, yet 22% lived in high-risk housing, reflecting persistent precarious living conditions susceptible to infestation. Enhanced comprehension of Chagas disease fundamentals and associated risk factors could empower endemic area residents towards proactive well-being practices, advocating for improved living standards and disease management strategies.