Toxoplasmosis: an examination of knowledge among health professionals and pregnant women in a municipality of the State of Paraná.

[congenital toxoplasmosis]

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of toxoplasmosis among professionals and pregnant women in the public health services in Paraná , Brazil .A cross-sectional observational and transversal study of 80 health professionals (44 nurses and 36 physicians ) and 330 pregnant women [111 immunoglobulin M (IgM )- and IgG-non-reactive and 219 IgG-reactive ] was conducted in 2010 . An epidemiological data questionnaire was administered to the professionals and to the pregnant women , and a questionnaire about the clinical aspects and laboratory diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was administered to the professionals .The participants frequently provided correct responses about prophylactic measures . Regarding the clinical and laboratory aspects , the physicians provided more correct responses and discussed toxoplasmosis with the pregnant women . The professionals had difficulty interpreting the avidity test results , and the physicians stated that they referred pregnant women with high -risk pregnancies to a county reference center . Of the professionals , 53 (91 .4 %) reported that they instructed women during prenatal care , but only 54 (48 .6 %) at -risk pregnant women and 99 (45 .2 %) women who were not at risk reported receiving information about preventive measures . The physicians provided verbal instructions to 120 (78 .4 %) women , although instructional materials were available in the county . The pregnant women generally lacked knowledge about preventive measures for congenital toxoplasmosis , but the at -risk pregnant women tended to respond correctly .This study provides data to direct public health policies regarding the importance of updating the knowledge of primary care professionals . Mechanisms should be developed to increase public knowledge because prophylactic strategies are important for preventing congenital toxoplasmosis .