Resumen

CARVALHO, Thaís Cristina Nascimento de et al. Knowledge on viral gastroenteritis by health professionals at a referral maternity and child health hospital in Pará State, Brazil. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude [online]. 2014, vol.5, n.3, pp.11-18. ISSN 2176-6215.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/s2176-62232014000300002.

Viral acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old, and rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus are indicated as the main causes. This study aims to verify the knowledge available to the doctors and nurses of neonatal and pediatric sectors of a referral maternity and child health hospital in Pará State, Brazil, about viruses related to AGE, their mode of transmission, and main prevention and control. It was conducted a descriptive exploratory research in 2011, using a questionnaire involving questions related to the profile of participants and about the proposed topic. After applying statistical test, a random selection of 60 participants was done. It was found that, during the presence of diarrhea, handwashing and hydration therapy are already well established by professionals, as well as isolation of patients affected by AGE. It was found that most of the participants had knowledge about rotavirus vaccine, number of doses, and age of application. Among the procedures to be performed in case of nosocomial outbreak, collection of samples for etiological definition and use of personal protection were the most mentioned procedures. Fecal-oral route and manipulation of fomites were the most mentioned main sources of transmission of these viruses. Whereas AGE is a major cause of medical consultations, hospitalization, and infant mortality, it is essential the awareness of health professionals about the easy transmission of these viruses to prevent their dissemination, contributing to morbidity reduction caused by these pathogens.

Palabras clave : Knowledge; Diarrhea, Infantile; Gastroenteritis..

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