1- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jorjani Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,tohidi66@yahoo.ca
2- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jorjani Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,
Abstract: (334 Views)
Background: Toxoplasmosis poses a significant risk to pregnant women because of its potential for vertical transmission to the fetus. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and preventive practices of pregnant women regarding toxoplasmosis.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 pregnant women attending urban comprehensive health centers in Gorgan, northern Iran, between January 2023 and September 2024. Participants were selected using a stratified multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire with established validity and reliability. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the independent-samples t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 506 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean maternal age was 26.79 ± 6.89 years, the mean gestational age was 25.88 ± 9.05 weeks, and the mean monthly household income was 8.85 ± 6.44 million Iranian rials. Overall, 41.7% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis, and knowledge levels were predominantly poor to moderate, whereas 77% of participants correctly answered the questions assessing preventive practices. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between maternal age and knowledge scores (r = 0.123, p = 0.006), as well as between household income and practice scores (r = 0.10, p = 0.02). In other words, higher household income was associated with better preventive practice scores. Multivariable regression analysis identified maternal age (B = 0.09, p = 0.005) and household income (B = 0.11, p = 0.002) as independent predictors of knowledge scores, while household income independently predicted practice scores (B = 0.06, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis among pregnant women remains at a moderate to low level, whereas preventive practices are generally satisfactory. Integrating targeted education on toxoplasmosis into routine antenatal care services may represent an effective strategy for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes in endemic regions such as northern Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 pregnant women attending urban comprehensive health centers in Gorgan, northern Iran, between January 2023 and September 2024. Participants were selected using a stratified multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire with established validity and reliability. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the independent-samples t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 506 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean maternal age was 26.79 ± 6.89 years, the mean gestational age was 25.88 ± 9.05 weeks, and the mean monthly household income was 8.85 ± 6.44 million Iranian rials. Overall, 41.7% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis, and knowledge levels were predominantly poor to moderate, whereas 77% of participants correctly answered the questions assessing preventive practices. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between maternal age and knowledge scores (r = 0.123, p = 0.006), as well as between household income and practice scores (r = 0.10, p = 0.02). In other words, higher household income was associated with better preventive practice scores. Multivariable regression analysis identified maternal age (B = 0.09, p = 0.005) and household income (B = 0.11, p = 0.002) as independent predictors of knowledge scores, while household income independently predicted practice scores (B = 0.06, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis among pregnant women remains at a moderate to low level, whereas preventive practices are generally satisfactory. Integrating targeted education on toxoplasmosis into routine antenatal care services may represent an effective strategy for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes in endemic regions such as northern Iran.
Keywords: Toxoplasma Gondii (Toxoplasma), Gestation (Pregnancy), Awareness, Performance (Athletic Performance), Maternal Health, Knowledge, Practice (Professional Practice), Pregnant Women (Pregnant People)
Type of study: Original Article |
Subject:
Management and Health System
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