Yurekturk, SehribanDemir, CananEkici, Abdurrahman2026-03-012026-03-0120262352-35222352-353010.1016/j.mran.2026.1003692-s2.0-105030194046https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mran.2026.100369https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14720/29849Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, knowledge, and risk-related practices regarding hydatid disease among adults in T & uuml;rkiye. Method: This cross-sectional survey included 1135 individuals aged >= 18 years residing in T & uuml;rkiye. This internetbased cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2025. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. Knowledge levels, sources of information, and risk-related practices were assessed. Associations between sociodemographic variables and knowledge levels were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among the participants, 56.1% were unaware of the etiological agent of hydatid disease, and only 33.7% correctly identified parasites as the cause. Knowledge regarding transmission routes was limited, with only 24.2% recognizing the role of infected dogs. Risk-related practices were common; 42.7% reported home slaughtering, while 22.5% disposed of infected organs in household waste and 32.4% buried them. Significant associations were observed between occupational groups and knowledge levels concerning disease etiology and transmission, with students demonstrating higher awareness compared to other occupational groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals that the level of knowledge and awareness regarding hydatid cyst disease in Turkish society is insufficient and that high-risk practices are widespread. These findings indicate the existence of a significant public health problem that hinders the control and prevention of the disease..eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessHydatid DiseaseAwarenessPublic HealthArticle