Implementation and evaluation of a health-promotion strategy for control of Taenia solium infections in northern Tanzania

Introduction: Education of pig farmers on health and pig management practices can have an important contribution to the control of Taenia solium infections in endemic areas, leading to potential for providing long-term control of the parasite. In this paper, we describe the application of a health promotion model to implement and evaluate evidence-based strategies for control of T. solium infections in northern Tanzania. Design and methods: We used the PRECEDE-PROCEED model as a guide to implement two previously planned health-promotion strategies (enhancing the quality provided by the public health extension services, and conducting seminars for smallholder pig farmers). We carried out a randomised-controlled field trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: Process evaluation revealed a good strategy delivery and a moderate participation of the smallholder pig farmers in the training. The impact evaluation revealed a significant reduction of consumption of pork infected with cysticercosis by the intervention (reduction by 20 per cent, P = 0.005). The outcome evaluation revealed a reduction of the incidence rate of porcine cysticercosis by 43 per cent by the intervention. Conclusion: The PRECEDE-PROCEED model may provide an efficient means for designing, implementing, and evaluating effective strategies for control of T. solium infections in any endemic setting.