The Vicious Worm: a computer-based Taenia solium education tool

Maria Vang Johansen; Chiara Trevisan; Uffe Christian Braae; Pascal Magnussen; Rebekka Lund Ertel; Helena Mejer; Christopher F L Saarnak

doi:10.1016/j.pt.2014.06.003

The Vicious Worm: a computer-based Taenia solium education tool

Trends Parasitol. 2014 Aug;30(8):372-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.06.003. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

Authors

Maria Vang Johansen¹, Chiara Trevisan², Uffe Christian Braae², Pascal Magnussen², Rebekka Lund Ertel², Helena Mejer², Christopher F L Saarnak²

Affiliations

¹ Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: mvj@sund.ku.dk.
² Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

PMID: 25017127
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.06.003

Abstract

Ignorance is a major obstacle for the effective control of diseases. To provide evidence-based knowledge about prevention and control of Taenia solium cysticercosis, we have developed a computer-based education tool: 'The Vicious Worm'. The tool targets policy makers, professionals, and laypeople, and comprises educational materials including illustrated short stories, videos, and scientific texts designed for the different target groups. We suggest that evidence-based health education is included as a specific control measure in any control programme.

Keywords: Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniosis; computer-based education tool; health education.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cysticercosis / prevention & control*
Health Education / methods*
Humans
Software / standards*
Taenia solium*