Community knowledge and attitudes toward waterborne intestinal diseases in a municipality of the Central Maranhão Mesoregion, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: this study aimed to analyze the community’s level of knowledge and attitudes regarding Waterborne Intestinal Diseases (WIDs) in the municipality of Lago dos Rodrigues, Maranhão. Methods: this was an observational and cross-sectional study conducted to obtain information on the level of knowledge of the community regarding WIDs. Data were collected through the administration of a questionnaire between February and March 2022. Results: the study included 394 participants who reported or did not report WIDs. Among the respondents, 82.4% reported having heard about intestinal diseases; 55.0% stated that they knew how an intestinal disease is transmitted; 90.1% believed that intestinal diseases can be transmitted through drinking water; 67.7% reported not knowing what protozoa, viruses, and bacteria are; 74.6% knew that protozoa, viruses, and bacteria may be present in untreated water intended for consumption; 73.6% knew that protozoa, viruses, and bacteria can act as parasites in the human body and cause diseases, including intestinal diseases; and 79.9% reported knowing how to prevent intestinal diseases caused by waterborne parasites. Conclusion: the results showed
satisfactory levels of knowledge and preventive attitudes toward WIDs, but further studies are needed due to limited data in the state of Maranhão.