It is well documented that Chagas disease (CD) can pose a public health problem to countries. As one of the World Health Organization Neglected Tropical Diseases undoubtedly calls for comprehensive healthcare, transcending a restricted biomedical approach. After more than a century since their discovery, in 1909, people affected by CD are still frequently marginalised and/or neglected. The aim of this article is to tell the story of their activism, highlighting key historical experiences and successful initiatives, from 1909 to 2019. The first association was created in 1987, in the city of Recife, Brazil. So far, thirty associations have been reported on five continents. They were created as independent non-profit civil society organisations and run democratically by affected people. Among the common associations’ objectives, we notably find: increase the visibility of the affected; make their voice heard; build bridges between patients, health system professionals, public health officials, policy makers and the academic and scientific communities. The International Federation of Associations of People Affected by CD - FINDECHAGAS, created in 2010 with the input of the Americas, Europe and the Western Pacific, counts as one of the main responses to the globalisation of CD. Despite all the obstacles and difficulties encountered, the Federation has thrived, grown, and matured. As a result of this mobilisation along with the support of many national and international partners, in May 2019 the 72nd World Health Assembly decided to establish World Chagas Disease Day, on 14 April. The associative movement has increased the understanding of the challenges related to the disease and breaks the silence around Chagas disease, improving surveillance, and sustaining engagement towards the United Nations 2030 agenda.

BACKGROUND: Even students with previous academic success may face challenges that affect their academic performance. Many medical schools offer programs to students at the risk of academic failure, to ensure that they succeed in the course. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In this report we describe a pioneering academic tutoring program developed at a Brazilian medical school and discuss the initial results of the program based on the feedback from tutors and data regarding the progression of students in the medical course. RESULTS: In 2018, 33 students enrolled into the program. Students' performance difficulties were mainly associated with mental health problems and socioeconomic vulnerability. Of the 33 students, 27 (81.8%) were assisted by the Mental Health Support Service and 16 (48.5%) were assisted by the Social Assistance Service. In addition to the planning academic activity class load, tutors were able to assist students in solving socioeconomic issues, carrying out personal support interventions with the promotion of self-esteem, and presenting suggestions for behavioral changes in their routine. For most students (72%), the action plan proposed by the tutors was successful. Eight of the 14 (57%) students in the fourth year progressed to the final two years of in-hospital practical training (internship). CONCLUSIONS: The Academic Tutoring Program showed positive results for most of the students. Close monitoring and tutor intervention allowed students with poor academic performance to overcome the low performance cycle. These important tasks demand time and energy from tutors, and institutional recognition of these professionals is essential for the successful maintenance of the program.

This study aimed, through a review of Nursing periodicals, at identifying elements of interaction between Nursing and Psychology. Authors selected 317 articles that met the criterion of approaching psychological issues. The analysis included: 1. the focussed theme; 2.authors' position; 3. references to Psychology works; 4. Psychology's theoretical frameworks and 5. methodology. Authors concluded that this interaction is occurring through a theoretical-methodological dialogue. The contacts among professionals with different academic backgrounds were scarce.

El presente trabajo buscó identificar, en revistas de Enfermería, los elementos de interacción de ésta con la Psicología. Fueron seleccionados 317 artículos que se encuadraron en el criterio de incluir en su enfoque, cuestiones psicológicas y su análisis comprendió: 1. la temática enfocada: 2. la categoría profesional de los autores; 3. las referencias a las obras de Psicología; 4. Modelos teóricos de Psicología y 5. la metodología. Se concluyó que la forma como esa interacción ocurre en el contexto enfocado, es a través del diálogo teórico-metodológico. El contacto entre profesionales de diferentes formaciones apareció en pequeña proporción.

O presente trabalho buscou, através de consultas a periódicos da área de Enfermagem, identificar elementos de interação desta com a Psicologia. Foram selecionados 317 artigos que enquadraram-se no critério de incluir em sua abordagem questões psicológicas e sua análise compreendeu: 1. a temática focalizada; 2. a categoria profissional dos autores; 3. as referências a obras de Psicolologia; 4. modelos teóricos em Psicologia e 5. metodologia. Concluiu-se que a forma como essa interação vem operando, no contexto focalizado, é através do diálogo teórico-metodológico. O contato entre profissionais de diferentes formações apareceu em pequena proporção.

O presente trabalho buscou, através de consultas a periódicos da área de Enfermagem, identificar elementos de interação desta com a Psicologia. Foram selecionados 317 artigos que enquadraram-se no critério de incluir em sua abordagem questões psicológicas e sua análise compreendeu: 1. a temática focalizada; 2. a categoria profissional dos autores; 3. as referências a obras de Psicolologia; 4. modelos teóricos em Psicologia e 5. metodologia. Concluiu-se que a forma como essa interação vem operando, no contexto focalizado, é através do diálogo teórico-metodológico. O contato entre profissionais de diferentes formações apareceu em pequena proporção.

This study aimed, through a review of Nursing periodicals, at identifying elements of interaction between Nursing and Psychology. Authors selected 317 articles that met the criterion of approaching psychological issues. The analysis included: 1. the focussed theme; 2.authors' position; 3. references to Psychology works; 4. Psychology's theoretical frameworks and 5. methodology. Authors concluded that this interaction is occurring through a theoretical-methodological dialogue. The contacts among professionals with different academic backgrounds were scarce.

El presente trabajo buscó identificar, en revistas de Enfermería, los elementos de interacción de ésta con la Psicología. Fueron seleccionados 317 artículos que se encuadraron en el criterio de incluir en su enfoque, cuestiones psicológicas y su análisis comprendió: 1. la temática enfocada: 2. la categoría profesional de los autores; 3. las referencias a las obras de Psicología; 4. Modelos teóricos de Psicología y 5. la metodología. Se concluyó que la forma como esa interacción ocurre en el contexto enfocado, es a través del diálogo teórico-metodológico. El contacto entre profesionales de diferentes formaciones apareció en pequeña proporción.

Este estudo avaliou a situação trabalhista dos chagásicos em Campinas (SP) e região. Entrevistaram-se 250 pacientes com vínculo trabalhista, acompanhados no HC-FCM/Unicamp: 98% integravam a faixa da população economicamente ativa e 76% eram homens. Sua origem confirmou o processo migratório vivido pelos mesmos. A maioria tinha pouca qualificação profissional, com 69,2% dos indivíduos com primeiro grau incompleto e 21,6% analfabetos. Porém, 63,6% estavam empregados com vínculo empregatício regulamentado, concentrando-se principalmente na prestação de serviços (21,6%) e indústria de transformação (21,2%). Dos entrevistados, 55,2% referiram receber até dois salários mínimos, e 40,4% afirmaram ter sido demitidos ao menos uma vez em dez anos, demissão associada ao diagnóstico da doença por 8,9% desses. Também dos 57,2% submetidos a exames admissionais, 9,1% foram recusados, 92,3% dos quais pela soropositividade. Quanto à participação em sindicatos, 78,4% negaram. Evidenciou-se a situação precária e a discriminação contra o trabalhador chagásico.

This study evaluated the working conditions of Chagas' disease patients in the city of Campinas, São Paulo, focusing on two-hundred-fifty patients with steady employment and treated at the University Hospital (HC-FCM/Unicamp): 98% were working-age and 77.6% were men. The origin of the patients reflected the migratory process occurring among this population. Most of the patients had limited professional skills, while 63.6% had not finished primary school and 21.6% were illiterate. However, 63.6% were regularly employed under duly processed work contracts. Their jobs were mainly in general services (21.6%) and heavy industry (21.2%). Some 55% of the patients reported a monthly income less than or equal to U$100.00, and 40.4% reported having been fired at least once during the last ten years, in 8.9% of the cases because of a diagnosis of Chagas' disease. Of the patients undergoing pre-hiring physical examinations (57.2%), 9.1% were refused, 92.3% of whom due to positive serology for T. cruzi. Finally, 78.4% reported not belonging to a labor union. The study demonstrated the precarious working conditions and discrimination experienced by workers with Chagas' disease.

Este estudo avaliou a situação trabalhista dos chagásicos em Campinas (SP) e região. Entrevistaram-se 250 pacientes com vínculo trabalhista, acompanhados no HC-FCM/Unicamp: 98% integravam a faixa da população economicamente ativa e 76% eram homens. Sua origem confirmou o processo migratório vivido pelos mesmos. A maioria tinha pouca qualificação profissional, com 69,2% dos indivíduos com primeiro grau incompleto e 21,6% analfabetos. Porém, 63,6% estavam empregados com vínculo empregatício regulamentado, concentrando-se principalmente na prestação de serviços (21,6%) e indústria de transformação (21,2%). Dos entrevistados, 55,2% referiram receber até dois salários mínimos, e 40,4% afirmaram ter sido demitidos ao menos uma vez em dez anos, demissão associada ao diagnóstico da doença por 8,9% desses. Também dos 57,2% submetidos a exames admissionais, 9,1% foram recusados, 92,3% dos quais pela soropositividade. Quanto à participação em sindicatos, 78,4% negaram. Evidenciou-se a situação precária e a discriminação contra o trabalhador chagásico.

This study evaluated the working conditions of Chagas' disease patients in the city of Campinas, São Paulo, focusing on two-hundred-fifty patients with steady employment and treated at the University Hospital (HC-FCM/Unicamp): 98% were working-age and 77.6% were men. The origin of the patients reflected the migratory process occurring among this population. Most of the patients had limited professional skills, while 63.6% had not finished primary school and 21.6% were illiterate. However, 63.6% were regularly employed under duly processed work contracts. Their jobs were mainly in general services (21.6%) and heavy industry (21.2%). Some 55% of the patients reported a monthly income less than or equal to U$100.00, and 40.4% reported having been fired at least once during the last ten years, in 8.9% of the cases because of a diagnosis of Chagas' disease. Of the patients undergoing pre-hiring physical examinations (57.2%), 9.1% were refused, 92.3% of whom due to positive serology for T. cruzi. Finally, 78.4% reported not belonging to a labor union. The study demonstrated the precarious working conditions and discrimination experienced by workers with Chagas' disease.