|
Abstract
|
Article Information:
Knowledge and Practices Related to T. solium Cysticercosis -Taeniasis among Smallholder Farmers in Selected Villages in Kilolo District in Iringa Region in Southern Highlands of Tanzania
A.F. Maridadi, J. Lwelamira and F.G. Simime
Corresponding Author: J. Lwelamira
Submitted: 2011 April, 14
Accepted: 2011 May, 13
Published: 2011 June, 10 |
Abstract:
|
Understanding farmers/community knowledge and practices towards T. solium Cysticercosis-
Taeniasis is key for successful eradication strategy. This study was carried out in three selected villages in
T. solium endemic areas in Southern highlands of Tanzania namely Kihesamgagao, Masege and Lulanzi from
Kilolo district in Iringa region. The study aimed at determining farmers’ knowledge on T. solium
Cysticercosis- Taeniasis, including life-cycle of the parasite and practices related to the infection as well as
factors influencing farmers’ knowledge on life- cycle of the parasite in the study area. The study was a crosssectional
survey involved 80 randomly selected households with 45 households being pig keepers and 35 being
non- pig keepers. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), one in each village were also conducted to gather
some qualitative information for the study. Quantitative data were analyzed for descriptive statistics such as
percentages, as well as for inferential statistics i.e. ,Chi-square tests using Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results from this study indicated
substantial proportion of respondents were aware of the problems in their area that can be linked to T. solium
infections. The most known problem was Porcine Cysticercosis (75%), followed by Tapeworm in human
(Taeniasis) (31.2%) and Epilespy (20%), indicating T. solium infections to be a serious problem in the area.
Despite significant portion of the respondents were aware of T. solium related infections in their area, however,
there was still a noticeable proportion of respondents (32.5%) who didn’t have a proper knowledge on life cycle
of T. solium, a situation fueled practices that encourage spread of T. solium infections. Fifteen percent of the
surveyed households had no latrines and nearly two- third of pig keepers practiced free range or semi- indoor
pig rearing system, practices which allows pig to have access to human faeces and hence continued life-cycle
of the parasite. Furthermore, findings from this study indicated that most pig farmers (69%) slaughter their pigs
at home in which meat inspection is rarely done or non-existent. Main source of pork meat by majority of
respondents was local brew bars/shops where it is served as fried meat and consumed on the spot. It was
revealed during Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) that pork meat in local brew bars is sometimes saved
undercooked if no close supervision of a frying process, practice which predisposes consumers to the risk of
T. solium infections. Several socio- demographic factors were noted to have influence on knowledge on life
cycle of T. solium by framers. Male and older respondents/farmers, being from other ethnic groups other than
Hehe, as well as more educated farmers were more likely to have a proper knowledge of life-cycle of T. solium
than their counterpart. Based on these findings it was recommended that more education to farmers and a
community as whole on T. solium infections and its control is needed in the area. For the T. solium eradication
strategy/campaigns in the study area to be effective it should put special emphasis on female, younger and less
educated farmers, as well as Hehe; that is the less knowledgeable groups.
Key words: Cysticercosis, Taenia solium, porcine, taeniasis, , ,
|
|
Abstract
|
PDF
|
HTML |
|
Cite this Reference:
A.F. Maridadi, J. Lwelamira and F.G. Simime, . Knowledge and Practices Related to T. solium Cysticercosis -Taeniasis among Smallholder Farmers in Selected Villages in Kilolo District in Iringa Region in Southern Highlands of Tanzania. International Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, (3): 196-201.
|
|
|
|
 |
ISSN (Online): 2041-2908
ISSN (Print): 2041-2894 |
 |
| Information |
|
|
|
|
| Sales & Services |
|
|
|
|
