Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniasis in Tanzania
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC
Abstract
Background: Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniasis (TSCT) is reported to be endemic in pig producing areas around
the world, causing significant disease burden and economic losses.
Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding TSCT
in four districts, namely Mbulu, Mpwapwa, Mbinga, and Rungwe in Tanzania. Data on KAP were collected through
questionnaire-based interviews and household infrastructure observations.
Results: Knowledge about porcine cysticercosis was good, particularly among pig keepers across the districts. Many
participants had heard about the pork tapeworm (T. solium taeniasis), and the knowledge about signs/symptoms
and treatment was fair, but the means of transmission and prevention measures were often unknown. Whilst most
participants were familiar with epilepsy, no one knew anything about human cysticercosis and the link between
cysticercosis and epileptic seizures. A similar trend is reflected through the attitudes toward the low risk perception
of cysticercosis infection. Not surprisingly, the risk perception of the infection with the pork tapeworm was low too.
Many participants reported not washing their hands before eating or after using the toilet which highlights potential
risks for the development of human cysticercosis. Albeit nearly every participant reported using the toilet always,
household observations revealed that toilets were either lacking or had no complete walls. Generally, household
observations revealed a discrepancy between questionnaire answers on the one hand and the availability of toilet
and handwashing facilities and the confinement of pigs on the other hand.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates knowledge gaps and adverse practices which may hinder and/or slow down
the control/elimination of T. solium in endemic countries. The study results are also useful for appropriate designing of
TSCT health interventions that need to be planned carefully, taking into account the local context and designing TSCT
in partnership with the local communities from the beginning to the end applying a One Health approach to allow
the possible sustained and best impacts.
Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Smallholder pig farming, Taenia solium, Cysticercosis, Taeniasis, Epilepsy,
Neurocysticercosis, Cross-sectional study
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Smallholder pig farming, Taenia solium, Cysticercosis, Taeniasis, Epilepsy, Neurocysticercosis, Cross-sectional study