Risk perception of foodborne diseases by pregnant women in Brazil

Resumo

Pregnant women are highly susceptible to foodborne diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, and toxoplasmosis due to hormonal and immunological changes throughout pregnancy. However, data on foodborne diseases in pregnant women and their risk perception in Brazil are limited. This study aimed to assess the risk perception of foodborne disease among pregnant women in Brazil using a quantitative approach. Anonymously, 404 pregnant women completed a structured questionnaire comprising 46 questions in various formats. The participants were asked about their food handling practices, knowledge of food safety, risk perception of foodborne disease, and opinions on the importance of food safety policies. The findings highlighted a concerning lack of knowledge among pregnant women concerning foodborne diseases and safe food practices. Specifically, a significant proportion of participants were unaware of fundamental terms such as "safe food" or "food safety," with 42.1% indicating unfamiliarity, and over half (54.4%) demonstrating a lack of awareness regarding foodborne diseases. Inadequate food handling practices and misconceptions about high-risk foods during pregnancy were prevalent, and attributed to a lack of knowledge and attitudinal ambivalence. Participants with higher education levels showed better practices, attitudes, knowledge, and risk perception (plt;0.05). Regional differences were observed, with Southeast Brazil exhibiting superior performance in practices and risk perception (plt;0.05). The majority of participants (98.8%) emphasized the importance of food safety policies, and expressed a need for more information on government programs (92.5%). These findings underscore the necessity for targeted educational campaigns and policies to enhance food safety awareness and practices among pregnant women in Brazil.