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Awareness and preventative behaviours regarding toxoplasma, listeria and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women

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journal contribution
posted on 2022-08-30, 10:55 authored by I Basit, D Crowley, M Geary, C Kirkham, R Mc Dermott, Mary Cafferkey, G Sayers

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.ie

Published 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 2019

PubMed ID

31535836

Department/Unit

  • Beaumont Hospital
  • Clinical Microbiology

Publisher

Irish Medical Association

Version

  • Published Version (Version of Record)