Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de teniasis y cisticercosis por Taenia solium en estudiantes y profesionales de bioanálisis en Maracay, Venezuela, 2020

Introduction. Taeniasis and cysticercosis are diseases caused by Taenia solium prevalent in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and associated with serious economic and health problems. To date, few studies have evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to these parasitoses among health professionals.Objective. To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with T. solium among students and professionals in the field of bioanalysis, residing in an urban, nonendemic area for T. solium in Maracay, Aragua, central region of Venezuela.Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a survey to collect data from students (n = 41) and professionals (n = 41) of bioanalysis regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to taeniasis and cysticercosis in Maracay, Venezuela. Results. Among all participants, 67.1% recognized T. solium as a public health problem prevalent in rural areas, while 30.5% correctly identified the causative agent. Limited knowledge was observed regarding the transmission of taeniasis (6.1%), human cysticercosis (11.0%), and porcine cysticercosis (17.1%), as well as the signs and symptoms of taeniasis (4.9%) and the characteristics of pork meat infected with T. solium cysticerci (3.7%). Professionals had greater knowledge of taeniasis, porcine cysticercosis, severe disease caused by T. solium, and neurocysticercosis (p < 0.05). Students knew better the causative agent and the preferred diagnostic method for taeniasis (p < 0.05). Most participants exhibited positive attitudes and practices. Professionals outperformed students in providing information regarding T. solium and dealing with patients infected with Taenia spp. (p < 0.05).Conclusion. This study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding T. solium among professionals and students of bioanalysis in Venezuela showed deficiencies in clinical epidemiological and diagnostic aspects. We recommend updating knowledge on taeniasis and cysticercosis and developing further studies with larger sample sizes and the inclusión of other disciplines.