Conhecimentos sobre enteroparasitoses entre gestantes atendidas em uma unidade de saúde de Maceió - AL em 2017

Parasitic infections can cause the death of the infected person depending on the degree of pathogenicity, which justifies the investigation of knowledge about these diseases in specific risk groups, such as pregnant women. Thus, this study aimed to assess knowledge about enteroparasitosis among pregnant women seen at a health unit in Maceió – AL. In this sense, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample for the convenience of 100 pregnant women undergoing prenatal care. The data were collected through a standardized questionnaire, from February to July 2017. The level of education did not influence the knowledge about the evaluated enteroparasitoses. Approximately 54% of pregnant women reported having the habit of always washing their hands before meals and after going to the bathroom. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was prevalent and 37% said they clean them with vinegar or bleach, but 87% said they ate undercooked meat. Approximately 80% received piped water supply and 47% used mineral water for ingestion. Despite the advances in prenatal care in the last decade, the lack of knowledge among pregnant women about parasites is configured as a risk factor for parasitic infection, in this sense, it is necessary to carry out health education activities for this group, clarifying ways of transmission and prevention related to enteroparasitosis.