Awareness of Neurocysticercosis in Northwest India
Author Information
Author(s): Mohit Girotra, Chanchal Gera, Rtika Ryfka Gauba, Rajat Bansal Tino, Parmdeep Kaur, Yashpal Singh, Jeyaraj D. Pandian
Primary Institution: Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Hypothesis
To study the awareness of neurocysticercosis (NCC) among patients with NCC and compare it with age- and gender-matched controls without NCC.
Conclusion
The awareness of NCC was poor in both groups, indicating a need for educational programs.
Supporting Evidence
- 64.2% of NCC patients had heard about NCC compared to 19% of controls.
- Knowledge about the organ affected by NCC was 61.4% in the NCC group and 80% in the control group.
- Only 12.9% of the NCC group identified tapeworm as a causative agent for NCC.
Takeaway
Many people with a brain infection called neurocysticercosis don't know much about it, and we need to teach them more.
Methodology
A hospital-based case-control study with 214 subjects, including 109 NCC patients and 105 controls, using a structured questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may affect the generalizability of the results due to the hospital-based nature of the study.
Limitations
The study is hospital-based, which may introduce selection bias, and it did not include biological markers or explore certain local practices.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged ≥16 years, with a majority from urban areas; NCC patients were more educated than controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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