Knowledge about, attitudes towards, practices regarding Taenia solium cysticercosis among people attending an epilepsy clinic in India

Abstract

Background Taenia solium cysticercosis is one of the commonest, but potentially eradicable, causes of seizures in India. Eradication and appropriate control should incorporate educational interventions regarding the infestation and this requires an assessment of knowledge about, attitudes towards and practices (KAP) regarding the disorder.

Aim We undertook a KAP survey regarding T. solium cysticercosis in a hospital-based population with seizures in order to determine the existing knowledge and attitudes regarding the disorder and practices regarding its prevention and treatment.

Methods One hundred and eighty two people attending an epilepsy clinic were administered a validated 16-item KAP questionnaire, the responses of which were assessed against responses obtained from experienced neurologists.

Results Of the 182 respondents, 22 (12%) believed that a worm was responsible for their seizures, while 94 (52%) were aware of the link between worms and epilepsy in general. Despite this 150 (82%) were unsure about the name and nature of the worm. In fact 89 (49%) believed that the worm was acquired by eating cabbages rather than by consuming pork and by poor personal hygiene. Only 14 (8%) had ever consumed pork. Of note, 56 (31%) admitted visiting unqualified quacks who sucked out the worm through the nose.

Conclusions In conclusion although the population was highly sensitized to the association between worms and epilepsy they did not appreciate its mode of transmission. Moreover the practice of visiting quacks to remove worms was quite prevalent.

Keywords

Cysticercosis - Knowledge - Attitude - Practices - Taenia solium

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