Epidemiological study of pregnant women served by the public health system with emphasis on toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Objective: to identify the correlation of risk factors associated with the incidence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women attended by the Public Health System in a medium-sized city, in the State of Parana. Method: cross-sectional quantitative study from January to February 2019, with pregnant women followed up in 17 BHU, which answered questionnaire socio-economic, food, hygiene habits and aspects related to environment and the disease. Statistical analysis by using the EpiInfo version 7.0 program. 143 pregnant women were included in the study. Results: the analysis showed that the consumption of raw vegetables (p = 0.9; OR = 1.71) and raw or undercooked meat (p = 0.87; OR = 0.82), having a cat at home (p = 0.56; OR = 1.16), having low level of education (p = 0.17; OR = 0.36) and having a low family income (p = 0.45; OR = 0.51) did not have significant association with Toxoplasma gondii seroreactivity. Owning a dog at home (p <0.001; OR = 0.16) presented a positive relationship between data, but with no representativeness of risk for these pregnant women. Conclusions: the need for further studies which may assist the formulation of new strategies for control and treatment of this infection.