Introduction

Participatory Research (PR) is a tool that can be approached for the analysis of sociocultural, environmental, and public health processes. The participation of school-age childrens in the appropriation of knowledge for the prevention of Chagas’ Disease (CD) can break the cycle of transmission. CD is a public health problem that mainly affects rural endemic communities of developing countries.

Objective

To develop a strategy for the acquisition and transfer of new knowledge in childs, due to the lack of information about the transmission cycle of the EC.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out with a group of 48 childrens from a community in extreme poverty in Yucatan, Mexico. Through PR tools and with the support of parents, ejidal and school authorities, educational workshops were given to children of the basic education to know the cycle of transmission, and to prevent CD due to the abundance of the vector in the study area. A program called “Small Investigators” was implemented to initiate processes of appropriation and socialization of knowledge in the community.

Results

The new knowledge acquired by the group of children was used and disseminated to their families, partners, and social circles, promoting the prevention of the disease. 182 triatomas were collected at home and peri domicile.

Conclusions

The new knowledge, attitudes and practices acquired by children under participation schemes is beneficial for the prevention of the Chagas Disease. The official sector is recommended to design the promotion health programs in children under the scheme of the present study in developing countries.

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