A health education programme for
taeniasis/
cysticercosis was implemented and evaluated among schoolchildren and the general community in a rural block in southern India, an area that is endemic for
cysticercosis. The baseline survey among 831 participants from three randomly selected villages showed poor knowledge regarding the spread of
taeniasis and
neurocysticercosis. There was also a lack of adequate hygiene and sanitation practices. Health education was given in these villages and in the schools located in these villages regarding the lifecycle of the pork tapeworm, spread of
taeniasis and
cysticercosis, and prevention of these conditions. The post-intervention test conducted 6 months later among 1060 participants revealed a 46% increase in the overall score of knowledge and practices. Awareness about the mode of spread of
taeniasis and
cysticercosis improved by almost 3 times and the reported practice of washing hands with
soap and water before eating improved by 4.8 times and after using the
toilet by 3.6 times. One person who reported the passage of tapeworm segments was confirmed to be a carrier of Taenia solium and was treated. The health education given on prevention of
taeniasis and
cysticercosis was useful in improving the knowledge and practices of the community and also in diagnosing
taeniasis through self-reporting.