Women’s Health Perceptions and Beliefs Related to Zika Virus Exposure during the 2016 Outbreak in Northern Brazil

Abstract

During the 2016 Zika pandemic in Brazil, women's perceptions of infection risk, ability to adhere to Zika prevention strategies, or access to services following exposure were not emphasized in the public health response. Women in Fortaleza, Brazil, responded to a questionnaire on social factors related to perceived Zika risk and access to health care in June 2016. Data were coded using prespecified categories, and response frequency was reported. Of 37 respondents, most reported a lack of public services to support mosquito control (n = 19) or delayed access to reproductive health care (n = 14). Only 22% described specific maternal risks or fetal outcomes as a consequence of Zika infection. Respondents indicated an overall disconnect between public health efforts and women's perceptions of their reproductive control, including limited support concerning microcephaly in infants. Interventions targeting Zika may require a greater emphasis on strengthening health systems and infrastructure to realistically prevent transmission.

Community participation and community engagement in the response to the Zika-Virus-Outbreak in Latin America 2015-2019 - A Scoping Review

“…A few studies mentioned that the use of a complicated, medical language or unkind behaviour in health facilities resulted in misconceptions and fear of questioning, especially in groups of people with lower education levels. [23, 30, 35, 48, 51, 54, 62, 73] Apart from clinic services or health professionals and providers, most popular sources of information and delivering messages were television, radio, word of mouth by family and friends, and social media [22, 32, 37, 38, 51, 53, 54, 56-58, 60, 62] Regarding the risks of a Zika virus infection, some studies reported scepticism towards the government and the media coverage about prevention measures because often, none of the immediate circle of acquaintances suffered from a confirmed Zika virus infection. Risk communication was perceived as way of spreading fear among populations by the government to raise sales and earnings of mosquito repellents or as invention to have an impact on fertility behaviour.…”

“…Care-seeking women were given advice about mosquito prevention measures but did not receive information about the possibility of sexual transmission of Zika virus during pregnancy. [8, 22, 28, 38, 53, 56, 63, 70] This might be due to social taboos and religious reasons as Latin American countries are mostly catholic, and shame feelings around sexuality and difficulty in talking about sexually transmitted diseases for both, healthcare providers and community residents exist. Therefore, adequate communication of Zika virus risks should take place in healthcare services during antenatal check-ups and involve the male partners into comprehensive explanatory dialogues to get rid of false perceptions.…”

“…[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Insufficient access to healthcare services and information affects people´s health status, might lead to an increased risk of Zika virus transmission and could worsen the consequences of an epidemic outbreak. [22,25,26] As poverty affects reproductive health as well, disadvantaged families with low socioeconomic status, such as low educational background, income or unemployment, present the most vulnerable groups. Particularly pregnant women, adolescents and women of childbearing age and children are affected by a Zika virus infection.…”

“…[13, 14, 39-43] Poverty, insufficient capability to respond to outbreaks and health inequity are the main risk factors for poor health and increase the burden of economic and social costs. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Insufficient access to healthcare services and information affects people´s health status, might lead to an increased risk of Zika virus transmission and could worsen the consequences of an epidemic outbreak. [22,25,26] As poverty affects reproductive health as well, disadvantaged families with low socioeconomic status, such as low educational background, income or unemployment, present the most vulnerable groups.…”

Knowledge of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus Among Women Who Are Pregnant or Intend to Become Pregnant, Arizona, 2017

“…Information on this mode of transmission was conveyed effectively by public health agencies and departments, which emphasized vector control as a prevention strategy. 11,12 However, the evidence of sexual transmission grew during the first few months of the outbreak in Brazil. 13 The risk of sexual transmission is higher among women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant than among women who do not wish to become pregnant, because the former are less motivated to use condoms.…”