Impact of health education on knowledge and prevention behavior for congenital toxoplasmosis: the experience in Poznan, Poland

In 1991-1997 educational activities were undertaken in the Poznan region of Poland to promote health education for the prevention of toxoplasmosis. Th e effect of education was measured in 2710 pregnant women by a questionnair e survey. Knowledge of toxoplasmosis and its prevention was almost doubled within 4 years. Similarly, the proportion of women having antenatal serolog ical tests for toxoplasmosis significantly increased. In the examined popul ation the knowledge of how Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted/acquired was be tter than the knowledge of individual risk factors for congenital toxoplasm osis. Correct hygienic behaviors in pregnancy were often practised by women who lacked good knowledge of toxoplasmosis. The experience from this study suggests the possible effectiveness of including prevention of toxoplasmos is into the whole package of preventing infectious diseases in pregnancy an d into healthy lifestyle promotion. Health educational activities need to b e realized by modern promotional technologies in addition to making availab le traditional written educational texts. There is a considerable role of m edical services in promotion of a hygienic behavior in pregnant women preve nting congenital toxoplasmosis in their offspring. Health education should be especially tailored to the population of pregnant women below the age of 21.