Impact of education on knowledge, attitudes, and practices for gestational toxoplasmosis.
J Infect Public Health
; 17(9): 102516, 2024 Sep.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39154433
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Toxoplasmosis is potentially avoidable, treatable, and curable by simple and direct preventive measures. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) assessments concerning gestational toxoplasmosis were evaluated in a cohort of pregnant women from Armenia-Quindío (Colombia, South America).METHODS:
This cross-sectional descriptive KAP-type study was performed with informed consent between October 2021 and March 2022. The intervention involved a ten-minute talk administered by prenatal clinic nurses to pregnant women. This took place in the public health clinic RedSalud and the private clinic Happy Maternity with a post-KAP survey after pregnancy.RESULTS:
The findings of the initial KAP survey revealed that approximately 42.8 % of the 250 mothers surveyed had IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies present. A strong correlation was observed between a lower frequency of antibodies and a higher level of education. Following an educational intervention, 73 seronegative women demonstrated a significant improvement in their knowledge and behavior. Among the 111 mothers who received the intervention, 42 (37 %) were followed until delivery. Unfortunately, their level of compliance with prenatal serological follow-up was lower compared to previous historical records of cohort of mothers in the same health center during pre-pandemic periods. No seroconversion occurred, although the small number of cases makes the outcome inconclusive with respect to statistical significance.CONCLUSIONS:
Education plays a crucial role in imparting valuable knowledge and fostering effective practices. It holds significant potential to prevent toxoplasmosis in pregnant seronegative mothers. Prenatal check-ups have proven to be a critical determinant in leveraging the benefits of education for seronegative mothers. Reporting and observed behaviors differed, identifying areas for improvement.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Toxoplasmosis
/
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Country/Region as subject:
America do sul
/
Colombia
Language:
En
Journal:
J Infect Public Health
/
J. infect. public health
/
Journal infection and public health
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Colombia
Country of publication:
Reino Unido