Understanding Community Knowledge and Practices for Taenia solium Taeniasis and Cysticercosis: Baseline findings for Pig farmer communities of Punjab, India

ObjectiveThe study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis among pig farming communities in Punjab, India MethodsCross-sectional survey of 719 pig farmers across five districts was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising of 35 questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices. Univariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with good knowledge ([≥]30). ResultsOverall, knowledge was critically low (mean 14.32 {+/-}8.51). only 2.8% achieved good knowledge, 83.30% heard of taeniasis versus 5.70% of cysticercosis. Pig regarding practices significantly predicted good knowledge (p=0.010), with intensive systems showing 3.46 times higher odds than free-range systems (OR=3.464, 95% CI0.979-12.261). Occupation approached significance (p=0.54). despite 100% reporting handwashing, knowledge-practice correlation was non-significant (r=0.033, p=0.378). Only 8.8% willing to participate in mass drug administration programmes. ConclusionCritical knowledge gaps regarding T. solium transmission persist in Punjabs pig farming communities, Targeted visual-based health education for low-literacy population and infrastructure improvement are urgently needed.