Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices level on toxoplasmosis and its seroprevalence in selected high-risk groups in Cebu, Philippines.

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant health risks, especially to high-risk individuals who are exposed to cats. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to toxoplasmosis and determine its seroprevalence among selected high-risk groups in Cebu, Philippines-specifically veterinary students, veterinary personnel, and cat owners. A total of 416 participants completed a structured questionnaire evaluating their demographics, exposure history, and KAP levels, while 250 underwent further rapid serological testing for T. gondii. Results of the relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Similar pattern was observed in the attitude level for veterinary students (54%), veterinary personnel (36%) and cat owners (32%). However, practice level showed that more veterinary personnel (54%) had high level than the veterinary students (35%) and cat owners (35%). The over-all seroprevalence of T. gondii was 29.2%, with the highest relative detection rates among veterinary personnel (43.8%) and cat owners (39%). While statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between the KAP levels of the three groups, significant associations between seropositivity and profile variables, including age, educational attainment, previous medical history, and frequency of cat contact (P ≤ 0.05) were found. These results highlight the need for sustained public education, improved veterinary and public health training, responsible pet ownership, and better access to diagnostic services.