Abstract of Master’s Dissertation
No.1
CourseMSc (Health Innovation)

Name

Yumiko TAKEHARA

Thesis
Title

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Mothers toward Chagas disease in La Guardia,
Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background :Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease, caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi andtransmitted by the triatomine bug. The disease is endemic in rural areas of Latin America andcauses various symptoms ranging in severity from self-limiting disease to cardiomyopathy,
esophageal achalasia, and megacolon. There are other transmission routes including bloodtransfusion and trans-placental vertical transmission. Based on the annual reports indicating
low rate of coverage in Bolivia, this study aimed at assessing a relationship between estimatedcoverage rate of Chagas test and the knowledge, attitude, and practice score toward thedisease in mothers of children delivered within two years in La Guardia region where Chagas
is endemic.
Objectives :• General objectives:
To estimate the coverage of serologic test for T. cruzi during the antenatal period and its
relevant factors among Bolivian mothers who delivered children younger than two years
old in La Guardia.
•Specific objectives▪

To assess the coverage of Chagas test during the antenatal period among mothers ofchildren younger than two years old.

▪

To assess the level of knowledge of the disease among the mothers.

▪

To assess the attitude and the practice of the mothers against Chagas disease.

▪

To assess the degree of disease stigmatization against Chagas disease among mothers.

▪

To identify factors influencing Chagas test among mothers of children younger thantwo years.

▪

To suggest possible strategies to overcome barriers for pregnant mothers to accessmore efficient medical care.

Abstract of Master’s Dissertation
No.2
CourseMSc (Health Innovation)

Name

Yumiko TAKEHARA

Method:This is an analytical, quantitative, structured interview-based, cross-sectional study conductedin four public health centers in La Guardia, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, from September to October
2022. Eligible mothers were recruited from those older than 18 years with a child under twoyears of age by home visits (face-to-face interviews). Quantitative data were collected throughthe administration of a structured questionnaire: sociodemographic data, KAP against thedisease. Analysis was performed using Stata17 for descriptive, univariate and multivariatelevels.

Results :A total of 634 participants were recruited in the study. Approximately, three fourths (74.5%,N= 472) reported having been tested for Chagas disease during pregnancy or at the time ofdelivery of their recent child. This KAP study clearly concluded that higher levels of mothers’
knowledge, attitude and practice factors were strongly associated with mothers who claimed toexperience Chagas test during the recent pregnancy period.
When I saw individual questions by univariate and multivariate regression analysis, 6
significant factors influenced the experience of Chagas test during pregnancy were educational
history, Maternal and child handbook, Knowledge of newborn test, Knowledge of National
Chagas program, necessity of family member’s test, and Experience of treatment.

Conclusion :The study estimated that 70% of the participants performed serologic test. In conclusion, those
who have high knowledge, attitude, and practice are strongly associated with Chagas disease
testing. That raises more responsibilities for not only the health care providers but also thecommunity to make mothers aware of the importance of screening tests in endemic areas.