Frequency and dynamics of enteroparasitoses in the Potiguara Catu Indigenous Community, Rio Grande do Norte: an approach that integrates health and environment.
Indigenous health. Intestinal parasitic infections. Preventive health.
Intestinal parasitic infections represent a serious public health problem,
especially in regions of high socioeconomic vulnerability, due to inadequate sanitation conditions and
limited access to quality healthcare. Therefore, this study sought to survey and investigate the dynamics of
intestinal parasites in the Potiguara Catu Indigenous Community, located between the municipalities of
Canguaretama and Goianinha in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Twenty-eight stool samples were
collected and a socioepidemiological questionnaire administered. The samples were analyzed using the Holffman, Pons, and Janer (HPJ) and Faust methods. A high prevalence of intestinal parasites (85.7%) was
observed, with the commensals Endolimax nana and Entamoeba coli standing out, indicating fecaloral
contamination in the environment. Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and hookworm eggs
were also identified, demonstrating a direct association between poor hygiene habits, poor sanitation, and
the habit of walking barefoot. The questionnaire responses revealed a low level of education among
respondents and their dependence on social programs such as Bolsa Família. Regarding environmental
conditions, the predominant consumption of untreated well water, inadequate sewage disposal, and close
contact with animals were potential sources of infection. In this context, health and environmental
intervention strategies, culturally appropriate educational initiatives, improved access to drinking water,
basic sanitation, zoonosis control, strengthening food security, regular health monitoring, and sociocultural
appreciation are suggested interventions in this study. It is concluded that the high prevalence of
enteroparasites in the Potiguara Catu community is a reflection of precarious hygienic-sanitary, as well as
social and historical conditions, highlighting the urgency of intersectoral public policies that consider the
cultural specificity of the indigenous community.