Reliability of current estimates of schistosomiasis prevalence in the Rainforest Zone of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
; 101(supl.1): 73-78, Oct. 2006. mapas, tab, graf
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-441229
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
The Program for Schistosomiasis Control within the Unified Health System (PCE-SUS) was implemented by 1999 in the Rainforest Zone or "Zona da Mata" of Pernambuco (ZMP) aiming to carry out biennial stool surveys of whole populations through municipal health organs followed by treatment of the positives through the local units of the Family Health Program (PSF). Yearly reports from the Health Department of Pernambuco State (SES/PE) from 2002 to 2004 on the PCE-SUS surveys were assessed to evaluate whether the current estimates of prevalence in the municipalities of the ZMP are based on reliable samples so as to allow considerations on the real situation of schistosomiasis in that area. The surveys carried out in that period did not follow the major principles underlying sampling design, thus posing problems in both precision and validity of the estimates. Only 12 out of 43 municipalities had minimally reliable estimates five with moderate prevalence (10-50 percent) and seven with low prevalence (< 10 percent). Surveys with appropriate sampling procedures aimed either at representative target groups (school-aged children) or communities are recommended for the ZMP and other endemic areas not only to provide reliable information on the current situation of schistosomiasis but also to plan adequate control strategies.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
LILACS
Main subject:
Schistosomiasis
/
Endemic Diseases
/
National Health Programs
Type of study:
Evaluation_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Language:
En
Journal:
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
Journal subject:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
/
PARASITOLOGIA
Year:
2006
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Country of publication:
Brazil