Work

Discourse Analysis of the Attributions of Causality and Responsibility for the Occurrence of Leptospirosis

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: When attributing the causes and agents responsible for a public health problem, people position themselves discursively. This study aimed to analyze utterances attributing causality and responsibility for a neglected disease in Brazil: human leptospirosis. A qualitative method was adopted, using semi-structured interviews and discourse analysis by dialogical maps. Nine interlocutors participated in the study. They were indicated by managers and health professionals, considering their competence to talk about practices and experiences related to the control of the disease. Our results show five simultaneous types of attribution in the utterances, indicating variability. However, we also identified traces of discursive patterns associated with the positions occupied by interlocutors within the healthcare network. Then, we articulated a critical reflection on the potential effects of these patterns. We suggest complementary studies to be performed, associating attributions with actions aiming to reduce leptospirosis cases.

Source: Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto)

DOI: 10.1590/1982-4327e3027

Authors: Mário Henrique da Mata Martins, Mary Jane Paris Spink

Institutions: Fundação Getulio Vargas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo

Language: English

Topic: Leptospirosis research and findings

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico