Intervención de enfermería en escolares con amebiasis intestinal en Latinoamerica

Abstract

Intestinal amebiasis caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica is a public health problem that develops in the colon. About 20-30% of the population is infected in Latin America; this disease develops due to inadequate hand washing of school children. Methodology: A bibliographic review of articles indexed in scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Redalyc, ProQuest, and Medigraphic was performed, considering 60 articles in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Keywords were used according to the DeCS and MeSH health descriptors. Result and Discussion: In the articles studied, it was shown that the prevalence rate is high in Latin America, with Ecuador being the country with the highest percentage of parasite infestation; among the risk factors, poor hygiene, poor hand washing, and lack of sewerage were found. In the same way, the clinical manifestations that commonly occur are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and (as a serious complication) liver abscess; for treatment, metronidazole is considered the first choice. Care intervention focuses on health promotion and patient education, both parents and caregivers, and the general population. Conclusions: According to the analysis of the articles reviewed, it was evidenced that Latin American school children present high rates of parasitosis, being mostly found in rural areas, with levels of poverty, low sanitation, and poor environmental sanitation; therefore, nursing interventions have an important role in this vulnerable population. Keywords: Intestinal parasitosis, prevalence, risk factors, therapeutic use, nursing.