A survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practices on Zika virus in New York City

Abstract

BackgroundOver 900 travel-associated Zika virus cases have been identified in New York City (NYC), New York. A survey was administered in NYC adapted from the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey on Zika virus developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).MethodsA standardized, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample in Manhattan and the Bronx from June 30th, 2016 to October 21st, 2016. Responses were grouped into six domains based on the content and structure of the questions and were summarized using descriptive statistics or converted into a continuous knowledge score and assessed for associations with pregnancy status and travel history using linear regression.ResultsThere were 224 respondents with a mean age of 33 (SD ± 11.6) with 77% (170/224) female and 24% (51/224) pregnant. The majority (98% (213/217)) were unable to identify all of the symptoms associated with acute Zika virus infection and all modes of transmission (97% (213/219)). Most participants (85% (187/219)) identified mosquitoes as a mode of transmission. 95% (116/122) reported an association between Zika virus and microcephaly. The most concerning aspect of Zika virus in 46% (91/200) was the risk of disabilities to babies, and risk of sexual transmission (25% (49/200)). When asked what precautions pregnant persons should to reduce the risk of transmission when traveling to a Zika endemic region, only 27% (50/185) identified using condoms during intercourse or refraining from intercourse while pregnant. Knowledge of Zika transmission is significantly positively associated with pregnancy status, but not with travel history.ConclusionOur results indicate an overall poor understanding of Zika virus symptoms and possible complications, transmission modes, and current recommended prevention guidelines. Pregnancy is positively associated with Knowledge of Zika Transmission, but not other knowledge scores. Reported travel history to Zika endemic regions is not significantly associated with Zika knowledge. There is a need for implementing future public health interventions that particularly focus on protection against Zika transmission, that Zika is sexually transmitted, and risks that the Guillain-Barré Syndrome poses a risk to adults.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-017-4991-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

“…18 By contrast, the sample population of surveys conducted in areas close to the outbreak regions, such as New York City, NY, was considered knowledgeable. 17 In New York City, 85% of the survey respondents identified mosquitoes as a mode of transmission and 95% reported an association between ZIKAV and microcephaly. 17 Migrants to Jordan from areas with risk of ZIKAV could participate in the transmission and the spread of this disease † The correct answer for the questions is "NO.…”

“…In New York City, NY, Samuel et al 17 showed that pregnancy was significantly associated with the knowledge about ZIKAV transmission but not with the knowledge of its complications or ZIKAV guidelines. Whereas, we showed that pregnant women, despite being the high-risk group of ZIKAV infection, have poor level of knowledge.…”

“…Whereas only 9% of the population heard about ZIKAV from health-care providers. 17 Therefore, using television and internet could be one of the effective methods to spread the message regarding ZIKAV disease.…”

“…This approach of data collection was previously reported. 17 Subjects available at the previous sites, at the time of data collection, were invited to participate in the study. Study design and data collection.…”

“…4 Several surveys were conducted to evaluate public awareness regarding ZIKAV infection in several countries in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. [17][18][19][20] In the Middle East region, however, there is a single report that assessed knowledge and personal perception regarding ZIKAV and its route of transmission, in a sample of educated population in the highincome country of Qatar. 21 Yet, there are no previous reports that addressed this issue in the general population of one of the developing, limited-resources countries of the Middle East, such as Jordan.…”