Abstract:

Background information, rationale, objective, methods and results: Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is estimated to infect more than one-third of the world population and responsible for about 1.2 million disability adjusted life years (DALYS). Detection of maternal-fetal infection is the paramount strategy for prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis using T.gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. This study aimed to promotion of reproductive and child wellbeing, especially on reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality which has been a focus in various international and local reproductive health strategies. Thus availability of data concerning knowledge and practices on toxoplasmosis transmission dynamics is of utmost importance in protecting maternal-fetal transmission and their subsequent complications.

Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge and practices among women of reproductive age group in Nyamagana district in Mwanza.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was employed in Nyamagana district, involving 328 participants, where self-administering questionnaire were the main data collection tool. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: The study involved 328 participants aged between 18 to 40 years of which all were women among which only 5(1.52%) had heard about toxoplasmosis, 83(25.3%) had history of having contact with stray cats, 190(57.9%) reported to be eating undercooked meat and 236(71.9%) reported to eat soil and 327(99.7%) handle soil with bare hands.

Conclusion: The study revealed that a large group of reproductive age women in Nyamagana do not have knowledge about toxoplasmosis, as well revealed that majority women of reproductive age in Nyamagana district practice toxoplasmosis risky behaviours such as eating soil, and undercooked meat and handling soil with bare hands. These findings imply that more education on essential need for toxoplasmosis and its preventive measures is highly needed to this society and this makes a call to local health authorities to put more efforts in school and community outreaches regarding toxoplasmosis awareness as well as the government policy makers and other stake holders should emphasize on good community practices against T. gondii.