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

Summary

This study examined what residents of Jilin Province know, believe, and do about mushroom poisoning. Researchers found that most people have only moderate knowledge about the dangers of wild mushrooms, with significant gaps in understanding toxicity. While people generally have positive attitudes toward safety, many still engage in risky practices like consuming wild mushrooms. The research highlights the need for better public education, especially in rural areas where access to medical help and health information may be limited.

Background

Mushroom poisoning is a significant public health concern in China, with over 22,000 known mushroom species but only a few edible varieties. China experiences approximately 70 deaths annually from mushroom poisoning, constituting the leading food poisoning threat. Jilin Province, with abundant forest resources and frequent wild mushroom foraging, faces increased risk of poisoning incidents.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward mushroom poisoning among the general population in Jilin Province. The research sought to identify gaps in public understanding and behaviors related to mushroom toxicity and safe consumption practices.

Results

Median knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11 (0-22), 37 (10-50), and 24 (10-30) respectively, with only 10.93% achieving adequate knowledge scores. Positive correlations existed between knowledge-attitude (r=0.110, P=0.014) and attitude-practice (r=0.512, P<0.001), but not between knowledge-practice (r=-0.035, P=0.439). Never eating wild mushrooms and not experiencing food poisoning were independently associated with better practice scores.

Conclusion

The general population in Jilin Province demonstrated moderate to suboptimal knowledge, attitude, and practice levels regarding mushroom poisoning. The disconnect between knowledge and practice highlights the need for targeted educational interventions emphasizing safer practices, particularly for rural residents and women with lower knowledge levels.
  • Published in:BMC Public Health,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional survey,
  • Source: PMID: 41131600, DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-24821-7
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