The socioeconomic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in toxocariasis prevention among the adult Khmer population in Tra Vinh province, Vietnam

Abstract

Objective: To assess the socioeconomic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing toxocariasis among the adult Khmer population in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted across 30 communities in eight districts and cities of Tra Vinh Province using a 30-cluster random sampling method during 2023.

Results: The study encompassed 760 participants (median age: 52 years; interquartile range: 39-63 years), female 65.9%. There existed moderate levels of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among participants, with variations across sociodemographic groups. Education (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36-0.53; P=0.002), and average family income (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.24-0.68; P=0.001) were inversely associated with poor knowledge. Participants aged ⩾60 years had higher odds of negative attitudes (OR 5.26; 95% CI 2.31-11.96; P<0.001) towards toxocariasis prevention. Not owning pets (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.13-2.08; P=0.006) and age⩾60 years (OR 5.33; 95% CI 2.61-10.86; P<0.001) were associated with significantly higher odds of poor preventive practices. Conversely, higher education (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.06-0.20; P<0.001) and higher income (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.06-0.33; P<0.001) were protective factors, significantly reducing the risk of poor preventive practices.

Conclusions: Knowledge, attitudes, and practice levels regarding toxocariasis prevention among Khmer adults in Tra Vinh were moderate and associated with age, education and income. Targeted health education efforts, especially in rural and low-income groups, are essential to improve preventive behaviors and reduce infection risks.

Keywords

Knowledge, attitude, and practice / Toxocariasis / Risk factors / Southern Khmer Ethnicity / Tra Vinh Province

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