Factors associated to toxoplasmosis-related knowledge among pregnant women attending public health services in the municipality of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2013-2015

Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2016 Jul-Sep;25(3):655-661. doi: 10.5123/S1679-49742016000300022.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the factors associated to toxoplasmosis-related knowledge among pregnant women attending public health services in the municipality of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted with pregnant women assisted in eight health care units; data was collected using a standardized questionnaire, from April 2013 to February 2015.

Results: among the 405 pregnant women interviewed, 173 (42.7%) knew about toxoplasmosis and, of those, 24.3% knew about it through friends; the proportion of pregnant women with toxoplasmosis-related knowledge increased with age (p<0.001), education level (p<0.001) and the number of pregnancies (p=0.031); the history of abortion was also associated with toxoplasmosis-related knowledge (p=0.019).

Conclusion: the variables 'age', 'education level', 'number of pregnancies' and 'abortion history' were important factors for toxoplasmosis-related knowledge among pregnant women assisted in the public health care sector of Niterói.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Cities
  • Consumer Health Information / methods
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Maternal Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women*
  • Primary Prevention
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Toxoplasmosis, Congenital / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult