Toxoplasma gondii prevention literacy and self-reported preventive practices among online respondents in China: a cross-sectional survey.

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic parasite, yet prevention literacy and protective practices among online respondents in China remain poorly characterized. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from April to November 2025 using a purpose-designed questionnaire distributed through WeChat and QQ. Knowledge and preventive-practice items contributed 23 and 10 points, respectively; a composite score of ≥20/33 represented meeting the prespecified 60% threshold. Among 622 valid respondents, 56.8% had heard of Toxoplasma gondii, the mean composite score was 14.22 ± 6.69, and 21.4% met the threshold. Undercooked meat consumption was reported by 8.2%. Separate utensils for raw and cooked foods were always used by 40.5%, sometimes by 45.2%, and never by 14.3%; 65.6% reported immediate handwashing after handling raw meat, whereas 31.2% did so inconsistently and 3.2% never did so. Regular or occasional contact with stray cats was reported by 31.4%, and 17.2% owned pets, predominantly cats. Among cat owners, 19.6% never sought veterinary care for their pets. In exploratory multivariable logistic regression, occupation remained associated with meeting the threshold; medical staff had higher odds than the reference group (adjusted odds ratio 3.39, 95% confidence interval 1.82-6.30). Short-video popular science was the most frequently reported information source, and 73.0% expressed moderate-to-high willingness to share health information. By jointly examining prevention literacy, practices, information channels, and dissemination willingness, this study provides a multidimensional baseline for toxoplasmosis education in China. The findings identify modifiable behavioral gaps and support evidence-based education that communicates foodborne, environmental, and cat-associated risks through short-video and social-media platforms.