Conocimiento de la Neurocisticercosis en los Habitantes de Mérida

Abstract

A transversal study was done to estimate the degree of knowledge of some Merida inhabitants about neurocysticercosis. Two hundred and twenty one subjects were interviewed with a three-questions format: What is cerebral cysticercosis or neurocysticercosis?, How can you get cerebral cysticercosis?, How can you prevent cerebral cysticercosis?. The interviewed subjects were matched in three groups: residents in a Merida state village (group 1, n=32), Merida city residents (group 2, n=100), Universidad de Los Andes, Medicine students (group 3, n=89). We found a rate of lack of knowledge (defined as two or more incorrect answers) of 100% in group 1, 89% in group 2, and 80% in group 3. The difference between persons who known and those who do not know the disease was statistically significant. The results suggest that ignorance could be a risk factor to maintain the cysticercosis endemy in Merida