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

Abstract

BackgroundTaenia 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. AimWe 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. MethodsOne 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. ResultsOf 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. ConclusionsIn 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.