The Role of Public Health Communication in Raising Tungiasis Awareness in Vihiga County, Kenya

Abstract

Tungiasis, a parasitic skin disease caused by Tunga penetrans, remains a neglected public health challenge in rural Kenya. Vihiga County has been identified as a hyper-endemic region, recording one of the highest prevalence rates in the country, a situation driven by poor sanitation, low literacy levels and persistent poverty Despite ongoing control programs, Effective control and eventual eradication of tungiasis are fundamentally dependent upon successful Public Health Communication (PHC) campaigns designed to raise awareness, dismantle myths and promote sustainable behavioral changes, there is limited evidence on how existing strategies influence awareness and behavior change locally. This study addresses that gap by assessing the role of public health communication in raising tungiasis awareness in Vihiga County, Kenya, aiming to provide locally grounded insights for designing more effective and culturally responsive communication interventions to reduce tungiasis prevalence in endemic regions. Communication theory developed by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver in 1949 guided the study. The study adopted a cross-sectional mixed-methods design guided by the interpretive paradigm. Quantitative data were collected from 400 purposively selected household members from Vihiga and Sabatia sub-counties using structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were gathered through eight Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with health workers and eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community members and Community Health Workers (CHWs). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Stata 17. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12.4. The study adhered to strict ethical standards during data collection. Findings showed that of majority of the respondents (82.3%) were aware of tungiasis primarily sourced from community awareness initiatives and media. Chi-square results indicated significant associations between gender and awareness of tungiasis (χ² = 4.02, df = 1, p = 0.045), education and knowledge of the cause (χ² = 14.87, df = 3, p = 0.002), and occupation and preventive practices (χ² = 9.54, df = 3, p = 0.023). Gender also correlated with information sources (χ² = 6.38, df = 3, p = 0.041), and education influenced perceptions of campaign effectiveness (χ² = 8.92, df = 3, p = 0.031). Occupation was linked to health-seeking behavior (χ² = 7.81, df = 3, p = 0.049), while gender showed no significant association with frequency of information access (χ² = 5.74, df = 3, p = 0.056). Qualitative findings further showed that community members valued interpersonal communication through health workers, local leaders, and radio broadcasts as the most trusted and accessible awareness channels. The study concludes that public health communication campaigns significantly shape community awareness and preventive behavior toward tungiasis, although variations in gender perception and access still exist. The study recommends an integrated, gender-sensitive communication and service delivery model that combines culturally responsive messaging, community-led myth correction, and resource support to bridge the awareness–behavior gap in tungiasis prevention.