Wiedza, postawy i praktyki społeczności dotyczące epilepsji w dystrykcie zdrowia Kombissiri, w wiejskiej, endemicznej dla cysticerkozy części Burkiny Faso
Community knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding epilepsy in the Kombissiri health district, in rural cysticercosis endemic area of Burkina Faso
W skrócie
[Preprint - wstępne wyniki] Badanie wykazało, że zaledwie 28,5% mieszkańców słyszało o neurocysticerkozie (chorobie powodowanej przez tasiemce, która jest główną zapobiegającą przyczyna epilepsji), podczas gdy 86,4% znało epilepsję. Społeczność ma jednak wiele błędnych przekonań - ponad połowa uważała epilepsję za zaraźliwą, a 43,6% chciałoby ukrywać chorobę w rodzinie. Edukacja zdrowotna i działania zmniejszające stygmatyzację choroby są pilnie potrzebne w tej części Burkiny Faso.
Oryginalny abstract (angielski)
Abstract Background Neurocysticercosis is the leading preventable cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic countries. However, community knowledge of neurocysticercosis remains poorly documented in Burkina Faso, where Taenia solium is endemic. This study assessed community knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding neurocysticercosis and epilepsy, and identified factors associated with knowledge in the Kombissiri Health District. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2026 among 470 adults selected using a three-stage stratified sampling method. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, and factors associated with knowledge were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Only 28.5% of participants had heard of neurocysticercosis, whereas 86.4% were aware of epilepsy. Among respondents familiar with epilepsy, 58.7% considered the disease contagious. Stigmatizing attitudes remained common, with 43.6% of participants reporting that they would conceal epilepsy within their family and 34.0% opposing the schooling of a child with epilepsy. Risk behaviors favoring Taenia solium transmission were also reported. In the event of an epileptic seizure, 77.0% of participants stated that they would refer the affected person to a health facility, although 46.0% reported that they would not provide any immediate assistance. Higher educational attainment was independently associated with better knowledge of both neurocysticercosis and epilepsy. Younger age, pig farming, and pork consumption were additionally associated with better knowledge of neurocysticercosis, whereas previous contact with a person with epilepsy was associated with better knowledge of epilepsy. Conclusions Community knowledge of neurocysticercosis remains limited, while misconceptions and stigma surrounding epilepsy persist in this cysticercosis-endemic setting. These findings support the implementation of integrated One Health interventions combining health education, stigma reduction, and Taenia solium control to improve epilepsy awareness and prevent neurocysticercosis in Burkina Faso.