Abstract:
The proto-type Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis point of care test (TSTC-POC test) is
a combined T. solium taeniosis / cysticercosis diagnostic test that enables immediate
diagnosis of individuals suffering from taeniosis or cysticercosis or both, and hence,
enabling immediate interventions. A cross-sectional study was carried out in selected
District health facilities (Ifisi, Makandana and Vwawa) of Mbeya and Songwe Regions,
Tanzania to assess perceptions and factors influencing the acceptability of the TSTC-POC
test among individuals who were tested during a TSTC-POC test proto-type evaluation.
The assessment of acceptability of the TSTC-POC test was carried out through application
of Health Belief Model (HBM), a social science theoretical framework. A total of 260
persons were interviewed using a structured questionnaire immediately after they
undertook the TSTC-POC test. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 where descriptive
statistics and association between variables using Chi-square test were computed.
Statistical significance was established at 95% confidence level and p value <0.05. The
acceptability of the POC test was high (95.4%). The main factor making the test
acceptable was the short time it took between testing and getting the result (45.3% of the
respondents). Factors that motivated individuals to undergo the TSTC-POC test include
the perceived threat of the disease (death and disabilities), trust in health practitioners and
the diagnostic tool itself. Acceptability of TSTC-POC test was not influenced by study
hospital, age groups, gender, education level and primary occupation of study
participants. It is concluded that the TSTC-POC test is acceptable among study population
of Mbeya and Songwe region, southern Tanzania. Information on the test's sensitivity and
specificity is required to guide its adoption and promotion for control of TSTC in
Tanzania, a potential breakthrough in TSTC surveillance.
