Educational intervention effect on knowledge of teniasis/cysticercosis in a rural community from Huanuco, Perú 2005

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on the taeniasis/cysticercosis knowledge in the residents of the rural highland community of Queropalca, Huanuco (Central Peruvian Andes). Material and methods. Was conducted community, which implemented a educational communication strategy on risk factors of taeniasis/cysticercosis, consisting of participative methods of house to house visits and promotional campaigns throughout the jurisdiction for six months (June to December 2005). We measured the level of knowledge on taeniasis/cysticercosis in people over 10 years of age. Results. We evaluated 142 persons, the educational intervention improved the overall level of knowledge on taeniasis/cysticercosis (p < 0.001) and on risk factors such as the elimination of waste a free field (p = 0.027), consumption of food without washing hands (p = 0.043), poultry rearing pigs without (p < 0.001), no use of toilets or latrines (p < 0.001), consumption of pork without health inspection (p < 0.001), did not change the level of knowledge related to the consumption of untreated water (p = 0.148). Conclusions. Applying the educational communication methodology increased the knowledge related to sanitary hygiene measures for the prevention and control of taeniasis/cysticercosis in a rural highland community.