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We surveyed women in New York, New York, USA, who were in areas with active Zika virus transmission while pregnant. Of 99 women who were US residents, 30 were unaware of the government travel advisory to areas with active Zika virus transmission while pregnant, and 37 were unaware of their pregnancies during travel.
Zika virus transmission within and between the Americas is of global concern. This study assessed knowledge about the Zika virus among pregnant women in the United States, their travel plans to endemic areas, and whether their health care providers discussed Zika with them. This cross-sectional study used data from 492 pregnant women (18–50 years) from an online survey conducted from April 8 to July 27, 2016. Pregnant women were recruited online through Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist, and Reddit. Almost all (97.8%) participants had heard of the Zika virus, of which 71% first learned about it from the internet. Over one third of these pregnant women reported that their health providers discussed transmission of the Zika virus with them. Most respondents reported that their providers had discussed risks related to travelling to areas with Zika outbreaks. Half of the survey respondents reported that their providers gave them information about avoiding mosquito bites. Pregnant women were not concerned about Zika affecting their own health, but 34% were very or extremely concerned about it affecting their babies' health. Almost no pregnant women currently had travel plans to areas with ongoing Zika transmissions, and of the 14% who previously had plans, most (85%) cancelled their travel due to concerns about Zika. Overall, pregnant women in our sample were highly knowledgeable about Zika virus. Over one third of women received suggestions regarding prevention of Zika from their healthcare providers.
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 (N = 390) versus those born in the United States (N = 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.
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