Awareness and preventative behaviours regarding toxoplasma, listeria and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women
Aim
Infection with toxoplasma, listeria and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. Awareness of these infections, knowledge of preventive practices and pertinent behaviours was assessed.
Methods
A survey of patients at antenatal clinics in a Dublin maternity hospital was conducted over a six month period. Analysis was undertaken using SPSS.
Results
The response rate was 36% (287/800). One in two respondents were aware of toxoplasma, one in four of Listeria but only 1 in 10 of CMV. Overall, knowledge was highest among older, more educated pregnant women. Nativity had a significant effect on knowledge and behaviour, but increasing parity did not. However the majority practised key safe behaviours.
Conclusion
Information must be conveyed to pregnant women in a user friendly format and in a culturally sensitive way.
History
Comments
The original article is available at www.imj.iePublished Citation
Basit I. et al. Awareness and preventative behaviours regarding toxoplasma, listeria and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women. Ir Med J. 2019;112(6):947.Publication Date
17 June 2019PubMed ID
31535836Department/Unit
- Beaumont Hospital
- Clinical Microbiology
Publisher
Irish Medical AssociationVersion
- Published Version (Version of Record)