Evaluation of knowledge and practice of pregnant women about Toxoplasmosis in Mashhad

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Community Medicine, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

2 Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Infectious Diseases, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is one of the causes of TORCH syndrome )Toxoplasmosis, Others, Hepatitis B, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus) during pregnancy that can cause severe complications in fetus and neonate if left untreated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practice of pregnant women about Toxoplasmosis in Mashhad in 2018.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 501 pregnant women referred to comprehensive urban health centers. Multistage cluster sampling was used. The data collection tool was a 25-question questionnaire including general information, risk factors, symptoms, complications, prevention and practice of pregnant women about Toxoplasmosis. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20 using t-test, ANOVA and linear regression test.
Results: 31.1% of pregnant women stated that they had heard or read information about toxoplasmosis. The knowledge of 417 people (83.2%) was poor. In multivariate analysis, the number of miscarriages, monthly household income, age and education of pregnant women were significantly correlated with their knowledge about toxoplasmosis. (p <0.05)
Conclusion: Given that only 4.2% of pregnant women in this study had good information about Toxoplasmosis, it is necessary to pay more attention to educational programs to improve the awareness of pregnant women by prenatal caregivers.

Keywords

References

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medical journal of mashhad university of medical sciences
Volume 63, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
November and December 2020
Pages 2539-2549

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