SANTOS, G. F. dos, Pereira, et al. Significado dos parasitas sob o olhar das crianças em idade escolar [Significance of parasites as seen by schoolchildren]. Revista Eletrônica Acervo Saúde, 15(7), e10514. 2022.
Available on: https://doi.org/10.25248/reas.e10514.2022
Objective: To describe the meaning of parasites from the point of view of school-age children. Methods: A qualitative study, carried out in a private elementary and high school, in a city in the countryside of Pernambuco, nine elementary school students participated in the study. Data collection took place through an interview, guided by a semi-structured script, applying the Drawing-and-Story Procedure in the period May 2021. Bardin’s Content Analysis was carried out, respecting the ethical aspects of the research. Results: Three categories were named based on the analysis of the children’s speech, they are: There are several types of worms; The worm is contagious and harmful; Worms can be treated. It is evident in the speech that they understand the perniciousness of the parasites, and that the propagation of these agents installed in the host occurs in a harmful way, this meaning is based on their experiences, thus influencing the quality of life of children. Conclusion: It appears that children understand the meaning of parasites, understanding that there are several types of worms, which are contagious, are harmful and that there is treatment. Therefore, the role of educators and health professionals in the health education process in this population is of paramount importance.