ENSINO EM PARASITOLOGIA: AÇÃO EXTENSIONISTA COM CRIANÇAS EM IDADE ESCOLAR

Knowledge about parasites is important, especially in the school environment, as schoolchildren are more susceptible due to the maturation of the immune system and for being more exposed to parasites. The objective of this study was to promote the actions focusing on Health Education in public schools in Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, regarding some parasites, as well as the prevention of these diseases. This action was carried out from August and September 2017 and included expository-informational lectures. Such presentations addressed the main parasitic diseases affecting schoolchildren, focusing on transmission, symptoms and prophylactic measures. The directly targeted audience comprised 258 students and the analysis of the questionnaires applied showed satisfactory learning related to the pupils’ appropriation of knowledge about parasitic diseases. In conclusion, extension actions are important because through health education, students expand their knowledge and put it into practice, improving their quality of life.