EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY ON THE ACADEMIC TOXOPLASMOSIS APPLIED TO A UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF TOLEDO/PR

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of people in relation to toxoplasmosis and forms of infection, research on contact with cats and eating habits. a quantitative study involving interviews with 104 students of a university in the city of Toledo/PR was performed. After collecting data finalized, these were tabulated and organized by using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 program in the form of graphs and tables. It was performed statistical analysis for data processing. Among respondents 67% do toxoplasmosis, since 33% had information on the parasite. Knowing that the feeding habits is an important risk factor for infection, it was observed that 78% of the students have a habit of lunch in restaurants with 10% consuming undercooked meat, 86% raw vegetables, and 85% vegetables raw. The study shows a high rate of ignorance about toxoplasmosis. The data show that some people are susceptible to contact with T. gondii, because of their eating habits, consumption of undercooked meat, raw vegetables. It is suggested improvements in education and health process, seeking to minimize the ignorance of people about toxoplasmosis.