Browsing by Author "Nyangi, Chacha"

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    Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in relation to Mycotoxin Contamination in Tanzania
    (East African Journal of Health and Science, 2024-03-16) Nyangi, Chacha; Siyame, Prisca; Hussein, Zaharan
    This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the population in three districts in Tanzania on issues related to mycotoxin contamination and exposure. The study employed a cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey, which was administered to gather quantitative data in 180 randomly selected households in three districts of Tanzania. In addition, qualitative data were collected using key informant interviews (KIIs) of 12 purposively selected respondents and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) of six to twelve participants. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS version 20 for Windows using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. While the qualitative data were analysed in ATLAS.ti 8 for Windows. A majority of respondents (25.1%) had never heard of mycotoxins, 20.1% were not aware of how mycotoxins are acquired, and none (0%) of the respondents claimed to never become sick after eating moulded/contaminated crops. The majority, 14.5% and 2.8% of the respondents, were not aware of prevention measures for animals and humans from mycotoxins, respectively. Only 8.9% agree that they are at risk of getting mycotoxins, 14% agree that it is safe to eat contaminated food, and 52.5% do not discard the mycotoxins contaminated food. The majority, 81.6%, dry their crops on top of the floor or bare grounds, almost 42.5% do not sort their crops before storage, and 28.5% agree to consume the defective/sorted crops. Therefore, it is recommended that health education interventions to create awareness among the public should be a priority and should be integrated into the existing control strategies.
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    Development and Rapid Assessment of Community-Based Health Education Package for the Control of Taenia Solium Taeniasis/Cysticercosis in Tanzania.
    (Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2026-07) Nyangi, Chacha; Mkupasi, Ernatus Martin; Mahonge, Christopher; Churi, Ayubu Jacob; Winkler, Andrea Sylvia; Ngowi, Helena Aminiel
    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<0.001) and in the practice of washing fruits and vegetables (p=0.025). Conclusion: Therefore, it is recommended that critical stakeholders conduct one health approach toward implementing CHEP in areas affected by TSCT to control the disease.
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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; Martin, Ernatus; Helena, Mkupasi; Ngowi, Aminiel; Mahonge, Christopher
    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.