Effectiveness of health education on Toxoplasma-related knowledge, behaviour, and risk of seroconversion in pregnancy

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2008 Feb;136(2):137-45. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2007.09.010. Epub 2007 Oct 30.

Abstract

We conducted a bibliographic literature search using MEDLINE to review the effectiveness of health education on Toxoplasma-related knowledge, behaviour, and risk of seroconversion in pregnant women. We pre-selected studies that used comparative study designs (randomized clinical trial, quasi-experimental design or historical control), that were conducted among pregnant women, and which employed specific, Toxoplasma-related outcome measures: knowledge, behaviour, or Toxoplasma infection rate. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. All had serious methodological flaws. A Belgian study reported a significant decrease in the incidence of Toxoplasma seroconversion after the introduction of intensive counselling for pregnant women about toxoplasmosis. In Poland, a significant increase in knowledge was observed after a multi-pronged, public health educational program was launched. In Canada, an increase in knowledge and prevention behaviours was reported in the intervention group receiving counselling by trained facilitators compared with the control group. In France, no significant changes in risk behaviour were observed following a physician-delivered intervention. This review highlights the weakness of the literature in the area and the lack of studies measuring actual seroconversion. There is suggestive evidence that health education approaches may help reduce risk of congenital toxoplasmosis but this problem requires further study using more rigorous research design and methodology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Education*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / immunology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / prevention & control*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan