Knowledge of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) among physical and occupational therapists in the United States

Abstract

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infections cause more children to have permanent disabilities than Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and pediatric HIV/AIDS combined. The risk of infection during pregnancy can be significantly decreased using universal precautions, such as thorough handwashing and cleansing of surfaces and objects that have come into contact with infected body fluids. Children under 3 years of age are commonly asymptomatic excretors of CMV, with the highest viral loads present in saliva. Pediatric therapists have regular close contact with young children, and are thus likely at elevated occupational risk of acquiring CMV. Our objective was to evaluate therapist knowledge of cCMV and its transmission. We recruited American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) members via electronic newsletters and printed flyers from April to September 2015. Participants completed an online, anonymous 24-question survey using Survey Monkey. We compared responses between groups and previously published CMV awareness data using binomial tests of difference of proportions and multiple logistic regression. Our study identified both a low level of therapist awareness and poor demonstrated understanding of cCMV. Self-reported cCMV awareness amongst therapists was greater than awareness in the general population, and equivalent to awareness amongst health care professionals. Whereas 52% of participants self-reported awareness of cCMV, only 18% demonstrated understanding of the behavioral modes of CMV transmission. Fewer therapists reported awareness of cCMV than other, less prevalent conditions. Higher levels of health risk knowledge were associated with greater contact with children. Most participants reported learning about cCMV from the workplace. The knowledge gaps between self-reported awareness of cCMV and demonstrated understanding of modes of transmission described by our results emphasize the need for additional training of therapists. cCMV is preventable, and accurate knowledge of modes of transmission is crucial for the health of practitioners and clients.

Congenital viral infections in England over five decades: a population-based observational study

“…Regional studies conducted in North America (26,27) have shown that neonates born in more deprived households are at higher likelihood to develop cCMV, a finding also supported by this study. Surveys of paediatric healthcare practitioners in France and USA show that less than half of respondents had adequate knowledge of the disease to educate women during pregnancy (28,29). These data should encourage healthcare practitioners to reinforce important antenatal hygiene measures.…”

A Cross-Sectional Study of Caregiver Perceptions of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Knowledge and Attitudes about Screening

“…Similar to the lack of cCMV knowledge common throughout general society, surveys of various healthcare professionals around the world also indicate a gap in both awareness and in knowledge of cCMV. [19][20][21][22][23][24] An important next step is addressing gaps in provider knowledge given that women are likely to learn about cCMV from their providers. Implementing regular educational sessions for healthcare providers, such as through national boards and major meetings, is important, as suggested by Dedhia et al 25 There are limitations to our study.…”

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Infants: Course Variants, Modern Approaches to Therapy (Clinical Cases)

“…Чаще нарушения слуха выявляются уже за пределами периода новорожденности: они могут прогрессировать, периодически уменьшаться или сочетаться с вестибуляр-ными нарушениями [17]. Надежных критериев прогноза развития отдаленных нарушений слуха у детей как при манифестной и тяжелой, так и при латентной ЦМВИ пока не существует.…”