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Knowledge, attitude, and practice on mushroom poisoning among residents of Jilin province

Summary

This study surveyed over 500 residents in Jilin Province about their understanding of mushroom poisoning risks. The results showed that most people had limited knowledge about toxic mushrooms, though many held positive attitudes about food safety. However, knowing about the dangers did not always translate into safer behaviors. The research suggests that better education, especially for rural residents, could help prevent dangerous mushroom poisoning incidents.

Background

Mushroom poisoning is a significant public health concern in China, with over 22,000 mushroom species known but only a few edible. China experiences approximately 70 deaths annually from mushroom poisoning, with high mortality rates despite being a relatively uncommon food poisoning cause.

Objective

To investigate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards mushroom poisoning among the general population in Jilin Province, a region with abundant wild mushrooms and forest resources.

Results

Median knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11/22, 37/50, and 24/30 respectively. Only 10.93% achieved adequate knowledge scores, 29.42% achieved positive attitudes, and 26.04% demonstrated proactive practices. Positive correlations existed between knowledge-attitude and attitude-practice, but not between knowledge-practice.

Conclusion

The study revealed significant gaps in KAP regarding mushroom poisoning among Jilin Province residents. Educational interventions should target rural residents and women with lower knowledge scores, emphasize safer practices over knowledge alone, and bridge the disconnect between understanding and actual behavior.
  • Published in:BMC Public Health,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional study,
  • Source: PMID: 41131600, DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-24821-7
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