Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding porcine cysticercosis control among smallholder pig farmers in Kongwa and Songwe districts, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Loading...
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis (TSTC) is a parasitic zoonotic disease that is endemic in several developing
countries, causing serious public health and economic impacts. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess
knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to porcine cysticercosis (PCC) transmission, prevention and
control among smallholder pig farmers in Kongwa and Songwe Districts in Tanzania. A semi-structured ques
tionnaire was administered to 692 smallholder pig farmers from randomly selected households. STATA software
version 17 was used to analyse quantitative data, summarize farmers’ KAP about PCC and calculate performance
scores. Nearly half (42%) of the respondents had little knowledge regarding PCC, only 17% of the respondents
had good practices towards prevention/control of PCC and 72% had a positive attitude towards PCC- prevention/
control measures. The majority (73%) of smallholder pig farmers admitted deworming their pigs regularly,
whereas 76% reported deworming themselves and their family members regularly. Albendazole and ivermectin
are the most commonly used medications for deworming people and pigs, respectively.
According to the findings, the majority of smallholder pig farmers in Kongwa and Songwe Districts showed a
good attitude towards PCC prevention/control measures but had limited knowledge of the PCC life cycle and
control. In addition, only one in five farmers was engaged in good practices. The findings revealed further that
farmers are engaged in risky behaviours that aid the spread and perpetuation of the T. solium parasite in the study
area. It is recommended that farmers should be given proper health education on the T. solium transmission cycle
and preventive/control practices to limit PCC transmission.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Neglected zoonotic disease, Knowledge, Awareness, Practices, Tanzania