Evaluation of the Knowledge of Saudi Women in Childbearing Period towards Toxoplasmosis Induced Teratogenicity – Evidence from A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis is an environmental teratogen that may disrupt fetal development if transferred to the mother during pregnancy, resulting in maldevelopment and newborn mortality. Objective: To assess knowledge of Saudi women in their childbearing period as regards risk factors of Toxoplasmosis infestation, testing, awareness of disease manifestation and prevention.  Methods: Anonymous online survey was used to examine the knowledge of Saudi women in their childbearing period about Toxoplasmosis induced teratogenicity. The non-probability sampling yields a calculated size of 600 women. The cross-sectional design of the research required categorizing the questions into two significant portions, one for sociodemographic data and the other for assessing Toxoplasmosis awareness. First, a descriptive statistic summarized the demographic characteristics. In categorical data, chi-square tests were employed to compare groups. Results: A total of 613 women in their childbearing years completed the questionnaire. Most respondents interviewed were 36-40 (46.7%), and Para 1-5 (80%), and 86% were graduates. In addition, 42.2 % had the basic knowledge of Toxoplasmosis, 25.3 % were aware of the manifestations of the disease, and 76.3% correctly identified premature labor or miscarriage as sequelae of the infection. Aside from the frequency of abnormalities and parities and knowledge of toxoplasmosis, no other demographics in our research sample showed a significant association. Conclusion: The basic knowledge of Toxoplasmosis among Saudi women of childbearing age is unsatisfactory (42.6 %). Age, family income, educational level and the number of abortions were significantly associated with knowledge of Toxoplasmosis among Saudi women in their childbearing age.