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. 2018 Feb 6:10:20-23.
doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.01.002. eCollection 2018 Jun.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women of childbearing age testing negative for Zika virus in Kentucky, 2016

Kristen Heitzinger  1 , Douglas A Thoroughman  1   2 , Kimberly A Porter  1   2
Affiliations

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women of childbearing age testing negative for Zika virus in Kentucky, 2016

Kristen Heitzinger et al. Prev Med Rep. .

Abstract

Because infection with Zika virus during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other birth defects, women of childbearing age are an important population for targeting of Zika-related public health messaging. To improve Zika-related communication and outreach in Kentucky, we conducted a survey to assess Zika knowledge, attitudes, and practices among all women of childbearing age who received a negative Zika test result from the state public health laboratory during February to July 2016. Although >90% of the 55 respondents knew the virus could be transmitted by mosquitoes and caused birth defects, just 56% (31/55) knew the virus could be sexually transmitted. These findings underscore the importance of continued efforts by CDC and state and local health departments to educate female travelers of childbearing age about risks for and prevention of Zika virus infection, particularly emphasizing use of condoms and abstinence to prevent transmission.

Keywords: Child health; Health communications; Health literacy; Kentucky; Zika virus infection.

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