# Impact of Health Education Interventions for Control of Taenia solium Cysticercosis/Taeniasis in Endemic Countries: A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This review shows that community-based health education can improve knowledge and reduce the spread of a tapeworm disease in the short term.

## Contribution

The study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of health education interventions in controlling Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniasis.

## Key findings

- Community-based health education improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to TSCT.
- Short-term behavioral changes and reduced disease prevalence were observed in most studies.
- Long-term impact of these interventions remains difficult to evaluate.

## Abstract

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 high‐income 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.

This systematic review assessed health education interventions for controlling Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis. Of 392 studies screened, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that community‐based education improved knowledge, attitudes and practices, with short‐term behavioural changes and reduced prevalence, although long‐term impact remained difficult to evaluate.