Assessment of Awareness, Knowledge, and Self-Reported Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in the Tropical Zone of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonotic disease that poses significant health risks to immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and infants. Transmission occurs primarily through infected cat feces or contaminated food. Awareness of transmission routes, prevention strategies, and health consequences remains limited in high-prevalence humid regions such as Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, between April and May 2025, surveying 485 adults using a five-section questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, practices, medical history, and recommendations. The survey was distributed in both English and Arabic. Self-reported previous diagnoses were used to estimate prevalence, with risk factors presented as frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression analyzed categorical variables, and independent t-tests assessed continuous variables to identify predictors of awareness and knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis.

RESULTS

Participants comprised 58.6% females, 97.3% Saudis, and 69.1% individuals aged ≤30 years; 49.7% had heard of toxoplasmosis. Females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.5, p < 0.01) and those >30 years old (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 0.80-4.29, p > 0.05) demonstrated greater awareness and knowledge, though this was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed based on marital status (p > 0.05). Risk behaviors included consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables (27.6%) and unpasteurized dairy products (28.2%), with 62.7% always washing hands after handling raw meat or soil. Cat ownership (20.6%) was not associated with knowledge (p = 0.97). Self-reported diagnosis prevalence was 1.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Low awareness and prevalent risky behaviors underscore the urgent need for targeted public health education interventions focusing on hygiene practices and zoonotic disease prevention in Jazan. Serological studies are recommended to obtain more accurate prevalence estimates and guide evidence-based interventions.