Primary prevention of toxoplasmosis: knowledge and attitudes of health professionals and pregnant women of public service of Maringa, Parana state, Brazil <br><b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Authors

  • Bráulio Henrique Magnani Branco UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE MARINGÁ
  • Silvana Marques de Araújo Universidade Estadual de Maringá
  • Ana Lúcia Falavigna-Guilherme Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Keywords:

Toxoplasmosis/Prevention & Control, Pregnant Women, Primary Prevention, Disease Prevention, Health Education.

Abstract

AIMS: To assess knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women and professionals of public health service about toxoplasmosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted from January 2009 to January 2010 in basic health units in the city of Maringa, Parana state, included health professionals and pregnant women. Data on knowledge and attitudes regarding toxoplasmosis were collected using specific questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed by the BioStat 5.0. RESULTS: The study included 212 health professionals and 499 pregnant women. Among health professionals, 88.7% had doubts about the evolving forms of Toxoplasma gondii that infect humans. Among physicians, 69.7% did not know how to approach a pregnant woman with reactive Toxoplasma gondii-immunoglobulins M and G; 39.4% could not answer at what gestational age toxoplasmosis can be acquired, and 15.1% did not know which prevention guidelines should be given for pregnant women. Among pregnant women, 42.08% reported consuming raw meat, 13.63% reported consuming raw milk and 20.84% reported not washing utensils when switching food. Only 16.23% reported having received information about preventing toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: It is urgent to improve training of health professionals involved in caring for pregnant women on primary prevention of toxoplasmosis.

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Author Biography

Bráulio Henrique Magnani Branco, UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE MARINGÁ

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Departamento de Ciências básicas da saúde. Parasitologia.

Published

2012-12-21

How to Cite

Branco, B. H. M., de Araújo, S. M., & Falavigna-Guilherme, A. L. (2012). Primary prevention of toxoplasmosis: knowledge and attitudes of health professionals and pregnant women of public service of Maringa, Parana state, Brazil <br><b>[Abstract in English]</b>. Scientia Medica, 22(4), 185–190. Retrieved from https://revistaseletronicas.pucrs.br/scientiamedica/article/view/11718

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Original Articles

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