Abstract

VICENTE, Vânia Aparecida et al. Multidisciplinary strategy for preventing and controlling diseases which manifest themselves clinically in early childhood. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2011, vol.59, n.4, pp. 591-597. ISSN 1981-8637.

Objetive This work was conducted to present the results of a multidisciplinary project which established a health program through individual and collective procedures for the diagnosis and prevention of childhood illnesses. Methods The health status was evaluated of children between the ages of six and twelve in the rural district of Campo Largo and schools in metropolitan Curitiba in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Students were submitted to anamnesis and clinical examination. Samples of saliva and oropharyngeal secretions were collected for microbiological analysis. In addition, fecal exams were performed to detect intestinal parasites. Information about transmission, diagnosis and prevention of dental caries, rheumatic fever and parasites was imparted to the school community by way of lectures, flyers and play activities. All clinical cases were referred for treatment and follow-up. Results Out of the 4,837 children analyzed, 81% were at high risk of acquiring dental caries, based on the correlation between the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva and the epidemiology of the disease. The parasitological tests showed that 70% of the children from the rural areas and 56% of those from metropolitan areas, were infected. Five children tested positive for rheumatic fever. Conclusion The high prevalence of caries, parasitic infections and the occurrence of rheumatic fever in children point to the urgency for initiatives to promote health through actions aimed at sanitary education, prophylaxis and treatment. Educational actions of this nature are of major importance to the school communities attended to

Keywords : Dental caries; Parasitic diseases; Prevention & Control; Oral health.