Percepções de vacinação contra a raiva em animais selvagens na população awajún da província de Condorcanqui, Amazonas, Peru, 2013

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the perspective for wild rabies (RS) vaccine in Awajún Peruvian population, Amazonas, 2012. A qualitative study was conducted in six communities across low structured interviews, designed to collect the perspective of the participants. We included community members, local authorities and health care personnel. Perception about RS causes was attributed to bats carrying infection, poison and supernatural harm, or the effect of witchcraft or damage. It was expressed the deadly effect and several information on the possibility or no treatment. To prevent the use of insecticide RS, tights, trappers, teas and ointments were mentioned, then came the vaccine. In relation to vaccination, besides expressing receipt of health information, were given arguments to oppose or question it as: the hidden objective to harm the Awajún people; not required by the population; and generation of adverse effects in children and adults. These perspectives addressing several questions about their potential benefit or right need it in the population and are associated to religious-cultural and socioeconomic factors as to the relationship with the health care systems and Peruvian government.