PRODUCTION OF NATURAL REPELLENT AGAINST THE AEDES AEGYPTI

PEDAGOGICAL INTERVENTION IN YOUTH AND ADULT EDUCATION AND HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract

Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever, transmitted by Aedes aegypti, require effective vector control and prevention of their bites, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This study presents intervention projects carried out in state schools in the municipality of Porto Nacional, Tocantins, the Marechal Arthur Costa e Silva School and the Angélica Aranha School, with the objective of training students in the 1st year of Youth and Adult Education (EJA) and High School, respectively, to produce natural repellents as a preventive measure against dengue. The methodology involved bibliographic research theoretical and practical classes, with the application of an active method through quizzes and semi-structured questionnaires applied to the participating students. In the practical stage, the students produced repellents using accessible ingredients such as citronella, clove and lavender, combined with almond or mineral oils as fixatives. The learning assessment results indicated that the students demonstrated a good understanding of dengue, with 100% identifying the vector and 80% the diagnostic method. Still, there were gaps in transmission modes and effects of repellents. Furthermore, high acceptance of the activity was observed, especially in high school, with an 80% satisfaction rate, and 50% of the students expressed interest in continuing to use the repellents produced in their homes. In the case of EJA, active participation was observed in the practical class, demonstrating interest in the activity and good retention of practical and theoretical content. It is therefore concluded that the intervention projects were successful educational tools since the students were trained, encouraging the adoption of sustainable measures to combat A. aegypti and prevent dengue and other arboviruses.