PRÁTICAS E CONHECIMENTOS RELACIONADOS AO SANEAMENTO E HIGIENE NA COMUNIDADE DE MOPEIA

Abstract

In Mozambique, despite having registered a relative progress in recent years in relation to sanitation and provision of potable water, more than 50 % of the population still have no access to basic sanitation. This fact, combined with limitations in the effectiveness of health interventions, have contributed to the mortality of children under age 5 from preventable diseases such as diarrhea.To evaluate the attitudes, knowledge and practices related to sanitation and hygiene in the community Mopeia. Qualitative study based on ethnographic method. Based on semi -structured scripts were conducted and recorded interviews with 12 women who lost their children 0-5 years in 2009 in District Hospital Mopeia diarrheal diseases. We also interviewed one community leader and one healer because they constituted guardians of traditional practices. Based on direct observation and the use of a field journal, we capture the practice of open defecation, water consumption and cleaning of household items by the subjects. Interviewed reported that there is no latrine and succor to the river Cuacua as an alternative source of water for consumption, hygiene and opportunity for the practice of open defecation. And nine mothers said they did not follow the recommendations of the MOH to use gray in the absence of soap to wash their hands after using the latrine. And all have demonstrated knowledge that the consumption of unprotected water sources and poor hygiene can contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases.The lack of socio-economic conditions, coupled with the socialization process may be contributing to the practice of open defecation and poor hygiene and consumption of unprotected water sources. These facts may be contributing to morbidity and mortality from diarrheal diseases, particularly in children under 5 years.