Abordagem de Leishmaniose Visceral no âmbito escolar em livros didáticos de ciências

Abstract

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic parasitic disease. The state of Piauí (PI) has a high prevalence of VL cases, with a higher incidence reported in Teresina, the state capital. One of the main forms of prevention is access to scientific knowledge and information, considering changes in population behavior. The school context, as a locus for the formation of future social representatives, should provide opportunities for the acquisition and construction of knowledge, information, habits, and attitudes necessary to address and overcome this public health problem. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze how the content of visceral leishmaniasis is approached in science textbooks approved by the National Textbook Plan, from 2020 to 2023. This research was conducted qualitatively. The analysis categories included the presentation of the content, presence and quality of images, parasite cycle, vectors, symptoms, prevention methods, and transmission covered in the analyzed textbooks. Six science textbooks were analyzed, and despite the lack of content on VL in many of the books, there was still coherence with the majority of the proposed analysis criteria. It can be inferred that the organization of the chapters is fundamental and, when it aligns with the current curricular organization, it contributes to the understanding and effective learning of the content by the students.