The community knowledge, awareness, and practices influencing transmission of toxoplasmosis in Mbeya District, Tanzania

Background: Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an important but neglected zoonotic disease of global distribution. The study aimed at evaluating community knowledge, awareness, and practices linked to transmission control the among residents urban peri-urban areas Mbeya District, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-section was conducted from January 2022 March in district. semi-structured questionnaire self-administered gather information on social demographic characteristics, risk behaviors related toxoplasma infection, chi squire employed test difference where p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: total 100 respondents were recruited. majority (38.0%) aged 26 - 35 years (49.0%) had attained primary education. average mean age 35.6 (+ 11.5 SD), 57% male while 43.0% female. Only 22 percent aware toxoplasmosis them, 10 clinical manifestations 20 knew mode transmission. Identified include lack deworming cats (81.0%), outdoor management (60.0%), disposal cats' faces gardens (36.0%), use controlling rodents (41.0%), not wearing gloves during gardening (77.0%). Children are noted be highest contracting as they greatly involved caring for cats. (49.0%). knowledge found associated with sex (males) p value= 0.041, occupation (medical employees) =0.002, high level education respondents' value =0.000.\. Conclusion: revealed a low participants practiced risky Thus, we recommend relevant authorities offer concerning Toxoplasmosis.