Browsing by Author "Mahonge,Christopher"

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    Development and rapid assessment of Community-Based Health Education Package for the Control of Taenia solium Taeniasis/Cysticercosis in Tanzania
    (Private, 2024-07-03) Nyangi, Chacha.; Mkupasi, Ernatus M.; Mahonge,Christopher; Churi, Ayubu J.; Winkler, Andrea S.; Ngowi, Helena A.
    Background: We conducted this study to develop and rapidly assess a community-based health education package (CHEP) to serve as a guide to improving knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) for controlling T. solium cysticercosis Taeniasis (TSCT) in endemic areas in Tanzania. Methods: Data for the development of the (CHEP) was collected through a questionnaire and observation of household infrastructure. We conducted and analyzed 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 38 key informant interviews (KIIs) using ATLAS.ti 8. A household survey using a questionnaire was conducted on 480 respondents and analyzed using SPSS by conducting a chi square test. Results: The developed CHEP included the following key messages: (1) improving knowledge and attitudes towards TSCT transmission, causes, health effects, treatment, and control measures, (2) proper pork preparation and general food handling practices, (3) good pig husbandry practices, and (4) improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. The CHEP developed comprises a Training of Trainers (TOT) manual, a leaflet/brochure, a poster, and a handbook. The results from the rapid assessment reported a statistically significant improvement in knowledge regarding the link between epilepsy and cysticercosis (p
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    Impact of Health Education Interventions for Control of Taenia solium Cysticercosis/Taeniasis in Endemic Countries: A Systematic Review
    (Wiley, 2025-10-08) Nyangi,Chacha; Mkupasi, Ernatus Martin .; Ngowi, Helena Aminiel; Mahonge,Christopher; Winkler, Andrea Sylvia
    Despite some control efforts, Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniasis (TSCT) remains widespread in many low-income countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Asia. With increased global interaction, the risk of infection also rises in highincome countries (HICs) and middle-income countries (MICs). Community knowledge and awareness are crucial to influence behavioural change and thus aid in controlling the parasite. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of health education interventions in managing TSCT to inform future disease control strategies. Papers published up to June 2024 were searched through PubMed and Google search engines. Studies evaluating interventions involving health education aimed at improving knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) to alter behavioural responses regarding TSCT were included. Initially, 392 studies were identified, with 21 publications ultimately included in this review. Although behavioural changes and reductions in disease prevalence were challenging to evaluate across the 21 studies, most concluded that health education, developed with community participation, enhanced KAPs, modified behaviour and reduced disease prevalence in the short term.