Zika virus in American Samoa: challenges to prevention in the context of health disparities and non-communicable disease

Howells, Michaela; Lynn, Christopher D.; Weaver, Lesley Jo; Langford-Sesepesara, Margaret; Tufa, Joseph

doi:10.1080/03014460.2018.1465594

Cited by 11 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…In contrast to previous studies, 18,20 our results showed that participants' level of education was not associated higher knowledge score. This is due to the widespread lack of knowledge about ZIKAV within the sample population.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…4 Several surveys were conducted to evaluate public awareness regarding ZIKAV infection in several countries in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. [17][18][19][20] In the Middle East region, however, there is a single report that assessed knowledge and personal perception regarding ZIKAV and its route of transmission, in a sample of educated population in the highincome country of Qatar. 21 Yet, there are no previous reports that addressed this issue in the general population of one of the developing, limited-resources countries of the Middle East, such as Jordan.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

Abu-rish

Elayeh

Albsoul-Younes

2019

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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ZIKA virus (ZIKAV) outbreak in Latin America was associated with international concerns of ZIKAV circulation. The lack of vaccine and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs against this virus rendered prevention as the single most effective method to control its spread. Hence, this study aimed to assess Jordanian population knowledge, attitude, and practices toward ZIKAV and its prevention. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to adults in Amman, Jordan. The overall knowledge of participants was poor (mean knowledge score of 13.7/32). Between 75% and 86% of the respondents did not know the highest risk group of ZIKAV infection, its complications, and the major routes of transmission. About 40% of the population did not know that ZIKAV is sexually transmitted. Only 40% of the population believed that prevention measures are effective. Female gender, working in the medical field, having children, and the source of medical information were associated with significantly higher level of knowledge (R 2 = 0.143, P-value < 0.0001). Being pregnant, however, was not associated with a significantly high knowledge score. Physician recommendations and government's role were the most important predictors of practices toward ZIKAV prevention. Of the 14 returnees from outbreak areas, only six were tested for ZIKAV on coming back and only three continued the use of prevention measures for a sufficient time. Therefore, formulation of a national health policy, preparedness plans against any potential transmission, and organization of educational campaigns to meet the population's health educational needs are required. Special emphasis should be placed on pregnant women and travelers to/returnees from ZIKAV-affected areas.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

Abu-rish

Elayeh

Albsoul-Younes

2019

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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“…In a small and close-knit population, seeking services anonymously for taboo conditions is almost impossible and can result in social consequences. ( 12 )…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sexual activity in younger individuals, especially those not married, is considered a more serious taboo and is socially discouraged. ( 12 ) Additionally, older generations had comparatively less access to sexual health education and prevention. All of these factors would increase the odds of infection in older populations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing age and sex trends of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis and syphilis infections in Samoa in 2012 and 2017

Carney

Howells

Tanumafili

et al. 2020

WPSAR

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In Samoa, the seroprevalence rates of sexually transmitted infections other than HIV have been endemically high over the past decade, despite years of prevention programming. Odds ratio and χ2 tests were conducted to compare the rates of positivity of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis across age groups from 2012 and 2017 surveillance data in Samoa. Young people aged 15–19 years were significantly more likely to have a chlamydia infection compared to all other age groups in both 2012 and 2017. Hepatitis B infections were more common in males and those aged 30 and above in both 2012 and 2017. Hepatitis C had no significant differences in age, but it was more common in males in 2012 and more common in females in 2017. Older age groups (aged 45 and above) were more likely to have a positive syphilis test in both 2014 and 2017 when compared to those aged 15–24 years. The results of this analysis confirm previously observed trends in Samoa for younger age groups’ prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and for older age groups’ prevalence of hepatitis B and C. But the analysis also unexpectedly found that older age groups (aged 45 and above) are more likely to test positive for syphilis (for years 2014 and 2017). Further studies are needed to assess behavioural risk factors associated with older populations in order to explain the increase in risk and to design interventions suited to this demographic.

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“…The papers by Pomer et al (2018), Howells et al (2018), Choy et al (2018) and Brown et al (2018) all describe challenges to health in early life that may have direct consequences for later cardiometabolic health. In their article, Pomer and colleagues describe the toll that natural disasters, which are becoming ever more frequent in the Pacific region, may take on maternal and child health.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human biology of the Pacific

Hawley

McGarvey

2018

Annals of Human Biology

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Zika virus in American Samoa: challenges to prevention in the context of health disparities and non-communicable disease

Cited by 11 publications

References 23 publications

The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

Comparing age and sex trends of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis and syphilis infections in Samoa in 2012 and 2017

Human biology of the Pacific

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