Attitudes of U.S. Hispanic and non-Hispanic women toward congenital CMV prevention behaviors: a cross sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundCongenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common intrauterine infection. The only way to protect against congenital CMV infection is to practice CMV prevention behaviors. CMV seroprevalence rates are high in Hispanic women. It is unknown whether communication strategies should differ by ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to understand differences between U.S. Hispanic and non-Hispanic women’s attitudes toward CMV prevention behaviors and examine the relationship between perceived subjective norms and these attitudes.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using an online panel. Participants were U.S. women of childbearing age. The dependent variable was attitude toward practicing CMV prevention behaviors, specifically avoiding sharing cups, food, and utensils with a child and not kissing a child on the lips.ResultsAmong 818 women (50% Hispanic), 16.8% of Hispanic women and 9.7% of non-Hispanic women (p = 0.002) reported familiarity with CMV. Attitudes toward CMV prevention through avoiding sharing behaviors (MHispanic = 5.55 vs. Mnon-Hispanic = 5.20; p = 0.002) and not kissing a child on the lips (MHispanic = 4.80 vs. Mnon-Hispanic = 4.21; p = 0.001) were positive for both ethnicities, but higher for Hispanic women. Hispanic women (M = 5.11) reported higher perceived behavioral control for avoiding kissing a child on the lips than non-Hispanic women (M = 4.63; p = 0.001). Hispanic women who were U.S. born or spoke English primarily more frequently kissed a child on the lips or engaged in sharing behaviors. Additionally, those who spoke Spanish mostly held more positive attitudes toward not kissing on the lips. Significant predictors for more positive attitudes toward CMV prevention behaviors were associated with perceived subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and pre-survey participation in risk behaviors.ConclusionsHispanic women have more positive attitudes toward CMV prevention behaviors than non-Hispanic women, however in regression models other factors are more important predictors of positive attitudes than ethnicity. In developing strategies to encourage women to practice CMV prevention behaviors, a focus on further understanding and increasing subjective norms and perceived control over those behaviors may be warranted.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-1807-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Parental Perspectives on Communication from Health Care Providers following a Newborn Diagnosis of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Secondary Analysis of a Qualitative Study

“…Treatment and interventions for children with cCMV have changed, adding on time sensitivity to discuss diagnostic testing and use of antivirals. Additionally, though general public and provider awareness continues to remain low [ 5 , 7 , 8 , 25 ], several U.S. states have enacted legislation to increase CMV awareness, implement hearing-targeted CMV screening, or both, starting in 2013 [ 23 ]. Further research is needed to understand parental perceptions and communication needs within the context of more contemporaneous screening programs for cCMV.…”

“…Despite the serious consequences that can result with cCMV, studies have reported low knowledge and frequency of cCMV counseling among obstetric specialists and, among pediatric general providers, mixed knowledge and low comfort with caring for children with cCMV [ 5 , 6 ]. Other studies have reported that knowledge about cCMV is low amongst expectant parents [ 7 , 8 ], and that parents of children who have cCMV emphasized that they would have benefitted from clear guidance and support post-diagnosis and information about cCMV prevention during pregnancy [ 9 ].…”