Representations of Chagas disease among Bolivian immigrants in the city of São Paulo

By Silveira C, Forsyth C, Junior NC, Goldberg A, da Silva LMB, da Silva RA, Shikanai-Yasuda MA. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases 2024, 18:1331026. doi: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1331026

Summary: Transnational immigrants are particularly impacted by neglected diseases, which take a heavy biological, social, and emotional toll in these marginalized communities. The authors of this manuscript explored problems of access to health services for and essential knowledge about Chagas disease, as well as related conceptions and health practices, with 27 (11 with Chagas disease) Bolivian adult migrants living in São Paulo. Diagnosis often provoked fear, and participants faced barriers to care due to language differences and uncertainty about the disease and treatment options. Healthcare personnel helped to alleviate concerns and facilitate access to information. The complex intersection of migration and neglected diseases requires innovative responses from local and national health programs that incorporate the perspectives and needs of those affected.

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