Toxoplasmosis prevention: knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Jordan

Background Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic infection which, in pregnant women, can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or child disability. Prevention and education play a crucial role in reducing the risks of infection and complications. Aim To assess the knowledge and practices of pregnant women in Jordan in relation to toxoplasmosis and its prevention. Method A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 583 pregnant women visiting a health centre, hospital or private gynaecology clinic in the Jordanian governorate of Mafraq. The governorate has the second-largest population of Syrian refugees in Jordan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on participants? knowledge and practices. Results Of the 583 participants, 75% had never heard of toxoplasmosis. Participants demonstrated, to varying degrees, some adequate knowledge of toxoplasmosis prevention and some adequate use of preventive practices. None of the sociodemographic characteristics of participants was predictive of their level of knowledge of toxoplasmosis, except nationality: Syrian women had a statistically significant lower level of knowledge than Jordanian women. Conclusion There are gaps in knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Jordan in relation to toxoplasmosis and its prevention. Improved health education, particularly for female Syrian refugees living in Jordan, could enhance knowledge and practices, thereby reducing the risks of infection and complications.