Toxoplasmosis - knowledge among university students in Erbil, Iraq: a cross-sectional study

Toxoplasmosis can cause severe complications in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out to evaluate knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis among 475 students at Salahaddin University – Erbil and its association with sociodemographic characteristics. Approximately half (49.79%) of the students reported having read, heard, or seen information about toxoplasmosis; however, knowledge of transmission routes and health consequences was limited. Only 37.37% recognized the role of cats in disease transmission, and a low percentage of students knew that infection could occur through the consumption of raw meat, unwashed fruit s or vegetables, blood transfusions, and contaminated soil. Knowledge of adverse pregnancy complications was also low, with only 26.74% indicated that Toxoplasma causes miscarriages, and 27.83% knew that unborn and newborn children could develop serious complications. More than three-quarters of the students practiced preventive behaviours by washing their hands after gardening, handling cat feces, and raw meat; these behaviours appear to reflect general hygiene practices rather than disease-specific knowledge. Generally, poor knowledge was found in 70.32% of students, with females demonstrating higher knowledge scores than males. The study outcomes indicate an urgent need for programs to enhance knowledge and preventive practices regarding toxoplasmosis among university students.