Intercultural Health Education: A Study on Dengue and Leishmaniasis in an Indigenous Community in Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzes the relevance of Health Education practices regarding Dengue and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in indigenous communities in Tocantins, focusing on promoting community autonomy and stimulating individual and collective critical thinking. The interventions were carried out through home visits, fostering intercultural dialogues to explain the diseases in an accessible manner. Additionally, audiovisual resources were used to demonstrate the symptomatology of the diseases, and questionnaires were applied to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. The results indicate that educational practices on Dengue were widely accepted and understood by the population. However, actions related to Leishmaniasis faced greater challenges due to the complexity of the topic. Thus, the study achieved its objectives of facilitating the exchange of knowledge and promoting the active participation of the indigenous community. Finally, it is understood that Health Education actions must be continuous and well structured, strengthening collective awareness and local autonomy. This study highlights the need for the continuity of these initiatives as part of a sustainable public policy that values traditional knowledge and strengthens the local health system, contributing to the prevention of neglected diseases in vulnerable communities.