Toxoplasmosis awareness among women: a cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and risk factors

Toxoplasmosis, a prevalent zoonotic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant risks for pregnant women. Despite its global prevalence, awareness remains inconsistent, particularly in endemic regions like Pakistan. A cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of 612 women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests (χ²), Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression were employed to examine demographic and behavioral associations. The dependent variable investigated in this study was high-risk status for toxoplasmosis exposure, based on various demographic and behavioral factors such as dietary habits, hand hygiene, and environmental exposure. The study revealed that while 66.8% of participants had a high level of knowledge, significant gaps persisted. Notably, 37.1% were unaware that cat feces can be a source of transmission, 41.8% did not associate the consumption of raw meat with the risk of infection, 28.8% were unaware of the importance of screening during pregnancy, and 25% did not recognize Toxoplasma as a protozoan. Attitudes were moderately positive (56.9%), yet 45.9% underestimated the severity of toxoplasmosis. High-risk practices included the occasional consumption of raw meat (6.93%; χ² = 388.94, p < 0.001) and poor hand hygiene (4.57% never washed hands after meat handling). Logistic regression identified younger women and unmarried women as being at high risk; education significantly predicted knowledge but not safer practices. Despite moderate awareness, persistent gaps between knowledge and Risk factor exposure demand targeted interventions in high-risk groups.