Knowledge and Prevention Practices among U.S. Pregnant Immigrants from Zika Virus Outbreak Areas

Abstract

We administered an anonymous survey to assess knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices related to the Zika virus among pregnant women residing in Texas. Multivariate logistic regression models controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education, and number of years in the United States assessed differences between women born in outbreak areas ( = 390) versus those born in the United States ( = 249). Results demonstrated that most women wanted more information on the Zika virus and desired to obtain it from their physician. The majority did not know that the Zika virus could be spread through sex with an asymptomatic partner or how often those infected were symptomatic. Few women took precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Only 40% reported frequently using repellent; 21% stated that cost was problematic and almost half were concerned about use during pregnancy. Three-fourths stated they would agree to vaccination, if available. Compared with U.S.-born women, those born in outbreak areas were more likely to have already discussed the Zika virus with their doctor (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27, 2.71) and identify microcephaly as the most common birth defect (aOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.78, 3.76). Moreover, women born in outbreak areas were less likely to desire to keep it a secret if they became infected (aOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.71). This study found that, regardless of birthplace, pregnant women need more education on the Zika virus disease and assurance regarding the safety of using repellent during pregnancy. They also need financial assistance for repellent, especially if living in states where transmission by mosquitos has been reported.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Travel-Related Risk Factors for Zika Virus Among Latinas Attending a Federally Qualified Health Center in Rural North Carolina

“…These results are consistent with those from prior studies, which found low ZIKV knowledge across the United States and among Latinx participants [16,19,20]. Notably, they found low knowledge regarding sexual transmission and ZIKV prevention methods, such as preventing mosquito bites and using condoms during sex [15,21,22]. In our study, we had hypothesized that women who stand to benefit the most from ZIKV prevention (ie, pregnant) and those who are most frequently exposed to communications about ZIKV would have greater knowledge of its long-term consequences and how to manage ZIKV risk during pregnancy.…”

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

“…Thus, there is a need for enforcement of physician role in this issue; particularly that physician office and clinics are the most accurate sources of information regarding medical problems. 30 Travelers are sentinels of ZIKAV transmission. 31 A positive association was found between the level of knowledge and travel history in Greece, 18 nevertheless, such association was not found in the sample population in United States.…”

Is DEET a dangerous neurotoxicant?

“…This situation has led to misunderstanding of the risks involved in DEET usage and probably reduced its deployment as a protective measure for blocking arthropod transmission of pathogens. For instance, an anonymous survey of pregnant women in the southern United States was conducted during the Zika virus epidemic, and found that 50% of the pregnant women questioned would not use an insect repellent due to concerns about use during pregnancy . Yet, a randomized controlled trial conducted among 897 pregnant women who were given 1.7 g of DEET per night throughout the second and third trimesters resulted in no significant differences in birthweight, newborn anthropometrics, newborn neurologic exams, or developmental milestones in the first year of life between control and treatment groups .…”