Abstract

DE LA CRUZ, ANA M et al. Conocimientos de la población sobre el cólera. Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 1996, vol.48, n.3, pp.184-187. ISSN 0375-0760.

In order to determine the impact of the educational campaing about cholera on the knowledge and believes of the population, a survey was made in 1993 among 1 324 poersons from 14 provinces and from Isla de la Juventud special municipality. 85 % were 20-59 years oldand 89 % had an secondary basic or higher educational level. 69 % had the minimun knowledge to face the disease, 90 % would see a doctor if they had and suspicion, 72 % knew that diarrhea is the main symptom of cholera, 54 % new how it is transmitted 89 % thought that they may be infected by drinking water, 54 % understood the importance of giving liquids to the sick subject, and 78 % realized the significance of washing their hands before eating anf cooking. It is concluded that even though our population has a general knowledge about the disease, due to the fact that our country is located in an endemic zone, health education must be reinforced, specifically those aspects connected with the communication and with the increase of liquids administration to the patients.

Keywords : CHOLERA; KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, PRACTICE; HEALTH SURVEYS; HEALTH EDUCATION.