Personal protective measures of pregnant women against Zika virus infection

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adherence of pregnant women to personal protective measures against mosquito bites, recommended by the Ministry of Health, and to investigate the factors associated with the non-adoption of these measures. METHODS: We interviewed 177 pregnant women between November 2016 and February 2017 in the 10 basic health units of the municipality of Propriá, state of Sergipe, two located in the rural area and eight in the urban area, during prenatal appointments, to raise information about the use of preventive measures against the vector transmission of Zika virus. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, and the odds ratio was calculated. The independent variables were grouped by the analysis of principal components, and the dependents (the use of repellent, mosquito nets, garments, screens and insecticides) were analyzed using the logistic regression method. RESULTS: Among the measures recommended by the Ministry of Health, mosquito nets were the most used by pregnant women living in rural areas and with low education level, while the repellents were more used by women in the urban area and with higher education level. Women in a vulnerable socio-economic situation presented a risk 2.4 times higher for not using screens in their homes, 1.9 times higher for not changing clothes and 2.5 times higher for not using repellent than pregnant women in better economic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The socioeconomic status of pregnant women, especially among the less privileged, influenced the use of protective measures against Zika virus, from the purchase of repellent, clothing, insecticides to other resources in the municipality of Propriá, SE.

Knowledge of Zika Virus Transmission and Its Prevention among High-Risk Pregnant Women in Brazil

“…The use of repellents was associated with higher levels of education and receiving direct guidance from health professionals. This was also consistent with findings from prior studies [ 33 , 35 , 36 ]. This reinforces the need for comprehensive educational campaigns and widely available information [ 37 ], appropriate to the social cultural condition of target population [ 20 , 38 ].…”

“…While an enhanced access to information translates to a higher level of prevention [ 32 , 39 ], socioeconomic and cultural conditions are additional highly relevant variables that can directly reflect individuals’ attitudes and prevention practices [ 40 ]. The cost of insect repellent may be one of the obstacles to its use [ 33 , 35 ]. Programs that include free distribution of preventative items is an effective method in the control of infections, especially in populations with few resources, as has already been observed in a study from Puerto Rico [ 41 ].…”

Estimates of Intrinsic Growth Rates and Basic Reproduction Number (R0) for the First Historical Zika Outbreak in Salta, Argentina

“…Since this low-intensity outbreak occurred in 2017, it is important not to neglect sustained the awareness of prevention and control measures in the population. As Melo et al study points out [21], the less privileged economic status influences the use of protection measures against the Zika virus, it is important that the Salta Public Health authorities improve prevention and control actions, providing the inhabitants not only with repellents but also insecticides mosquito nets for beds and windows, since most of the population of this region has unsatisfied basic needs.…”

Social determinants associated with Zika virus infection in pregnant women

“…higher prevalence of adults with low levels of education being the most heavily impacted [27]. Moreover, other studies in two cities of Brazil have found associations between low economic conditions and low educational level was associated with less use preventive practice against Zika and higher ZIKV prevalence [10,31]. But this phenomena is not restricted to regional areas, also it was register in all Brazil territory, where the most affected region was the northeast that it is a lower developed region with lower income rates and lower education levels [32].…”