Myths and truths about chronic non-communicable diseases

Abstract

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) are a group of diseases not caused by acute infections, they affect long-term health and are the main cause of death and disability. These conditions include cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic lung diseases, and osteomyoarticular diseases. Adequate information on NCDs improves adherence, evolution of those affected, reduces discrimination and saves costs for the system. Knowing what the knowledge of our community is and being able to guide on those that are myths or truths, will allow you to have a better result in the health condition. GENERAL OBJECTIVE: know the percentage of people who have accurate knowledge about myths and truths of NCDs. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: Determine the percentage of accurate knowledge in relation to each condition (cancer, diabetes, (CVD), chronic pulmonary and osteomyoarticular conditions) evaluated individually.

A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out between October and November 2022, people over 18 years of age who attended the Misericordia Hospital for various reasons were included, consecutively and in a non-probabilistic manner. The activity began with delivery by the Semiology and Medical Clinic students, coordinated by teachers, of surveys on myths and truths about NCDs. At the end, the data were tabulated and valued in percentages for each of the diseases and for global knowledge.

189 people from the community participated in the activity. Of the total number of respondents, 69% had accurate knowledge about NCDs. Diabetes, oncological and cardiovascular diseases reached a percentage greater than 70% (78%, 76% and 74% respectively), while in asthma/COPD the percentage was 68%. Osteomyoarticular diseases showed the lowest percentage of knowledge with 50%.

31% of people had inadequate information (myth) about NCDs. Being osteomyoarticular diseases, in which education should be reinforced. Knowledge of this reality drives us to promote strategies to strengthen the knowledge of the general population about these diseases, allow students to visualize a reality different from that of the classroom and become aware of the importance of health education.