Publication Date
Spring 2025
Abstract
Chagas disease, one of the 13 recognized Neglected Tropical Diseases, is traditionally transmitted by the Triatominae insect. However, in Chile, vector-borne transmission has been interrupted and vertical transmission (from mother to child) has emerged as the primary concern. This study explores the impacts of vertical transmission on the immigrant population in Arica, Chile, a city located at the borders of Bolivia and Perú, where approximately 10% of the population consists of immigrants. Semi-structured interviews (n = 9) were conducted with health professionals in Arica, as well as researchers based the Atacama region. Epidemiological factors, diagnosis, treatment, barriers to health, emotional effects, and educational programs were all found to influence the vertical transmission of Chagas disease in the immigrant population. Overall, vertical transmission in the immigrant population of Arica is a public health program, and interventions such as educational programs and greater communication between countries is needed to improve the health impacts of this disease.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Van Gelder, Ava, "Transmisión vertical de la enfermedad de Chagas en inmigrantes gestantes en Arica: Avances, barreras y desafíos" (2025). Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment. 4.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cih2/4