Situation Diagnosis and Evaluation of a Community Education Program for the Prevention of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Abstract

The precise points of intervention in the epidemiological chain to prevent Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome are well known, although conditions may vary between different localities. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to show the usefulness of a situation diagnostic model to optimize the implementation of a preventive community education program type “training the trainers” in two municipalities in the province of Buenos Aires, and the evaluation of the process. METHODS: The diagnosis included a survey of the socio-sanitary conditions, food habits and identifying problems in the chain of production, marketing and consumption of food. Process assessment was qualitative and quantitative: number of workshops and participants, and determination of strengths and weaknesses of the process. RESULTS: The main concerns were: lack of safe water and excreta management in a large percentage of the population, weak bromatological controls and maintenance of cold chain in providing meat and milk.This diagnosis allowed to adapt the program to specific local conditions, which is necessary to achieve effective intervention. A total of 26 workshops involving 588 agents were carried out. The artwork was useful for the understanding of educational contents and all workshop participants responded with great motivation. The support from local authorities facilitated the implementation of the program.