Antonella Cammarelle, Alessandra Barlaam, Ylenia De Santis, Annunziata Giangaspero, Biagia De Deviitis
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a widespread zoonotic disease with potentially serious consequences to the fetus if acquired during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate objective and subjective knowledge of toxoplasmosis and its modes of transmission in women of reproductive age living in an Italian southeastern region (i.e., Apulia region) and to identify homogeneous segments of women based on their level of knowledge of toxoplasmosis. Data were collected in a web-based survey sample of 568 women, and analyzed via a two-step cluster analysis.
The results showed that 69.4 % of respondents claimed awareness of toxoplasmosis. Specifically, knowledge about infection risk factors, such as consumption of undercooked meat and raw unwashed fruits and vegetables (95.8 %) and pregnancy-related risks (94.5 %), was high. However, only 52.8 % knew that T. gondii is a parasitic protozoan, and 40.5 % were aware of soil as a transmission route. Cluster analysis identified three segments: women with knowledge (40.2 %), partial knowledge (39.6 %), and no knowledge (20.2 %). Women with higher education and employed showed greater awareness, whereas students and individuals with lower education levels were overrepresented among those with limited knowledge.
These findings highlight a knowledge gap in certain transmission aspects and underscore the importance of targeted health education, particularly regarding the role of soil and the nature of T. gondii as a parasite.
Implementing effective, accessible educational programs is crucial for reducing the burden of T. gondii infection, especially in regions with limited health literacy. Establishing regional reference centers could enhance monitoring, prevention, and support for at-risk populations.
期刊介绍：
Food and Waterborne Parasitology publishes high quality papers containing original research findings, investigative reports, and scientific proceedings on parasites which are transmitted to humans via the consumption of food or water. The relevant parasites include protozoa, nematodes, cestodes and trematodes which are transmitted by food or water and capable of infecting humans. Pertinent food includes products of animal or plant origin which are domestic or wild, and consumed by humans. Animals and plants from both terrestrial and aquatic sources are included, as well as studies related to potable and other types of water which serve to harbor, perpetuate or disseminate food and waterborne parasites. Studies dealing with prevalence, transmission, epidemiology, risk assessment and mitigation, including control measures and test methodologies for parasites in food and water are of particular interest. Evidence of the emergence of such parasites and interactions among domestic animals, wildlife and humans are of interest. The impact of parasites on the health and welfare of humans is viewed as very important and within scope of the journal. Manuscripts with scientifically generated information on associations between food and waterborne parasitic diseases and lifestyle, culture and economies are also welcome. Studies involving animal experiments must meet the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals as issued by the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences.
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