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>

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.