Stakeholders’ knowledge, attitude, and perceptions on the control of Taenia solium in Kamuli and Hoima Districts, Uganda

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date Issued

Date Online

2022-04-07

Language

en

Review Status

Peer Review

Access Rights

Open Access Open Access

Usage Rights

CC-BY-4.0

Share

Citation

Ngwili, N., Thomas, L., Githigia, S., Johnson, N., Wahome, R. and Roesel, K. 2022. Stakeholders’ knowledge, attitude, and perceptions on the control of Taenia solium in Kamuli and Hoima Districts, Uganda. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9: 833721.

Permanent link to cite or share this item

External link to download this item

Abstract/Description

Taenia (T.) solium is a zoonotic parasite causing three diseases: Taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans and porcine cysticercosis in pigs. Although biomedically, the transmission of the parasite can be easily interrupted at six points along the life cycle, the contextual factors that may influence the adoption of these control strategies in Uganda remain unclear. This study assessed the stakeholders' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions relating to the six control strategies for T. solium infections in Kamuli and Hoima districts, Uganda. A total of 22 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with pig farmers, community leaders, pig/pork traders, animal health assistants, and human health assistants. In addition, nine key informant interviews were held with senior officials in the ministries of agriculture and health and other relevant agencies at the district level. The results showed differential, limited, and fragmented knowledge on T. solium infections among stakeholders. Pig farmers, community leaders, and pig/pork traders had almost no knowledge and were often confused regarding the differences existing between T. solium and other gastro-intestinal infections in pigs and humans. Pig confinement, pit latrine construction, coverage, maintenance, and sustained use are influenced by cultural, socio-economic, and physical/ environmental factors of the study population and area. Proper sensitisation programmes and health education interventions should target all, but with appropriately focused material to suit the different stakeholder categories. Reminders or nudges may be needed to ensure that increase in knowledge translates to changes in practise. Intervention programmes should also aim to overcome challenges created by the various contextual factors operating in the specific endemic areas.

Contributes to SDGs

SDG 2 - Zero hunger
SDG 3 - Good health and well-being
Countries