KIẾN THỨC, THÁI ĐỘ VÀ HÀNH VI PHÒNG BỆNH GIUN ĐŨA CHÓ, MÈO Ở NGƯỜI TẠI BỆNH VIỆN TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC TRÀ VINH

Abstract

Background: Toxocariasis, a zoonotic disease caused by parasites of the genus Toxocara, affects humans. In Vietnam, the rate of seropositivity for toxocariasis in humans varies between 13.1% and 74.9%. There have been no reports on the knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior towards toxocariasis in humans in Tra Vinh. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of knowledge, attitude and behaviors to prevent toxocariasis in humans and some related factors in the outpatient department at Tra Vinh University Hospital. Materials and method: Cross-sectional study with 334 research subjects by interview method. Results: The proportion of people with correct knowledge on preventing toxocariasis in humans was 41.3%. Additionally, a significant number of individuals, 81.7%, displayed a positive attitude towards preventing the disease. However, the percentage of people who actually engaged in correct preventive behavior was relatively low, at only 22.5%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that people living in rural areas, studying for more than 12 years and Toxocara spp. testing were associated with knowledge of disease prevention. The factors related to positive attitude are female, under 30 years old, people who do not own cats and dogs and correct general knowledge. Besides, the factors related to practice include female gender, education over 12 years, correct knowledge and positive attitude. Conclusion: The rate of knowledge and practice of prevention of toxocariasis in humans is relatively low among patients and/or their relatives at Tra Vinh University Hospital. Some factors related to preventive behavior are gender, education and knowledge of prevention. Therefore, strengthening communication to improve people's knowledge is essential.