"LabPar de Portas Abertas": THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF LUDICITY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BASIC EDUCATION STUDENTS FOR THE PREVENTION OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN ALAGOAS, BRAZIL

Resumo

In Brazil, schistosomiasis is an endemic disease with significant impact on public health. It involves an ecological interaction, directly associated with poor sanitation, and is caused by the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. The magnitude of its prevalence is linked to socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural factors. The interaction between humans, a contaminated environment, and intermediate hosts enables the maintenance of the parasite in vulnerable populations. In light of these challenges, health education initiatives potentially offer an effective approach to controlling schistosomiasis. When combined with engaging methods, such as playful activities, prevention strategies can become even more effective, promoting preventive practices. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to report theatrical activities titled "Bia's Chronicles" and demonstrations of life forms through microscopy, aiming to raise awareness among primary school students about schistosomiasis by focusing on the ecology of intermediate hosts. The "LabPar de Portas Abertas" Extension Project, from the Parasitology Laboratory at the Federal University of Alagoas, carried out activities promoting One Health education and parasitology with a focus on schistosomiasis for middle and high school students from May to August 2023. A total of 325 students from four private schools and three public schools in Maceió, Alagoas, participated. Most participants were girls (72%) and aged between 12 and 17 years (95%). "Bia's Chronicles" narrates the story of a snail from the Biomphalaria genus, who, after witnessing a human defecating near the river where it lives, learns about parasites whose eggs may be in the feces and infect other snails around it. Terrified, the protagonist Bia urges readers to consider whether exterminating snails from her genus is a preventive measure and reflects on improper fecal disposal, especially near water sources, as it contributes to the spread of schistosomiasis. In addition to presenting the chronicle, we conducted microscopy demonstrations to illustrate different life forms. Students were able to view slides with specific samples, offering them the opportunity to distinguish a snail from the Biomphalaria genus from other species and understand its life cycle. Based on these activities, using theatrical performance and microscopy made it possible to present essential concepts for understanding schistosomiasis, as well as debunk the idea that transmission is solely due to the presence of the snail. Therefore, health education is crucial for the prevention of schistosomiasis, as it empowers students and communities to adopt practices that reduce the risks of the disease, while also increasing knowledge retention and interest in the subject.