Prevention Practices among United States Pregnant Women Who Travel to Zika Outbreak Areas

Abstract

We surveyed pregnant women from the United States to assess the prevention practices they used when traveling to countries with ongoing Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks. Of the 749 who agreed to participate, 710 completed the survey's travel questions and 59 of those had traveled to a ZIKV outbreak area in the past 12 months. Only 43% of the women who had traveled to ZIKV outbreak areas reported frequently using mosquito repellant with 32% stating they did not use it at all. They also did not frequently use other recommended methods to prevent mosquito bites. With the established risks to babies born to women who contract the ZIKV during pregnancy, it is a great concern that a large number of women who travel to outbreak areas during pregnancy are not protecting themselves against mosquito bites. Pregnant women need to be educated on the importance of taking precautions.

Travelers to U.S.: Zika Virus Knowledge, Attitudes, and Determinants of Practices in the Middle East—Insights for Future Awareness Campaigns

“…Other determinants of participants’ intention to adhere to prevention measures were the role of government and television, while the least important factor was the free offering of condoms and insect repellants (15.8%). Similarly, only 21% of pregnant immigrants in U.S. reported the cost of insect repellent to be problematic [27].…”

Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Zika virus infection in Jordan

“…Physicians play a critical role in disseminating health messages, and are considered to be the most accurate source of health information [12]. Hence, their knowledge, attitudes and practices are of vital importance for improving public health awareness regarding alarming medical situations.…”