Health strategies to strengthen the work of health personnel in the care of Chagasic heart disease in the department of Estelí, Nicaragua

Abstract

Chagas disease is a global parasitosis, with cardiac complications being the most frequent and potentially fatal problem. In Nicaragua, the number of deaths is not known, nor is there frequent diagnosis in its acute phase. Prevention and promotion are fundamental, but the population is of the infection and its long-term impact. Strict follow-up is crucial to avoid the development of heart disease and other chronic complications, with appropriate preventive measures and treatment. In recent years; attention to Chagas disease has been affected by the prioritization of other diseases and the status of COVID-19 in 2020. According to the philosophical approach it is a quantitative research. Medical records were analyzed, surveys and interviews with medical personnel were applied. It is shown that the disease is predominant in urban areas, affects more women and being a housewife is a risk factor. Promotion from the health units is limited to talks and the use of visual media, and prevention is based on fumigation. Patient follow-up is carried out according to regulations, but is poorly implemented, affecting the consistency and integrity of treatment, and increasing the risk of chronicity. This study establishes a proposal for a Health Strategy for Chagasic Heart Disease (ESPECH), to strengthen the work done by health personnel in the department of Estelí, and proposes a checklist that includes promotion, prevention and rehabilitation and integrates it into primary and secondary care programs to provide better care for affected patients.