Análise de informações sobre leishmaniose visceral americana contidas em livros didáticos de biologia utilizados em escolas do ensino médio de Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, no ano de 2013

Abstract

The American Visceral Leishmaniasis (AVL) is a disease caused by the protozoanLeishmania infantum, which affects organs such as liver and spleen, constituting as a serious public health problem in many regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais. The expansion of cases in Brazilian cities is associated with the adaptation of the vector (Lutzomyia longipalpis) to these environments, the presence of dog (Canis familiaris) as a reservoir and the uncontrolled urbanization. Preventive measures are directed to disease vector control, euthanasia of seropositive dogs and treatment of humans. However, health education should also be considered as an important form of disease prevention, since it mobilizes the population to adopt protective practices. In this context, the Biology textbook can be considered as a tool in this process, since the information content is appropriately presented. This study aimed to verify the quality of texts and images about AVL present in Biology textbooks adopted by 20 schools in the city of Sete Lagoas (MG) in 2013. Qualitative analysis was based on 25 questions related to the biology of L. infantum and disease pathogenesis, symptomatology, epidemiology, treatment and prevention for each book adopted in the high school. The results showed that the authors discussed the disease through a decontextualized way and important factors such as reservoir and disease epidemiology, treatment and protective measures have not been elucidated in most or all books. Therefore, a more careful choice of textbooks, the use of alternative books and technological resources, and continuing education programs for teachers should improve the quality of health education in schools.