Introduction
Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Because Zika virus infection
during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, reproductive-aged women need protection
from Zika virus infection. This report describes Zika virus prevention behaviors among
women aged 18–49 years and assesses whether pregnancy status and healthcare provider
counseling increases Zika virus prevention behaviors.
Methods
A population-based cell phone survey of women aged 18–49 years living in Puerto Rico
was conducted in July–November 2016. Data were analyzed in 2018–2019. Prevalence estimates
and 95% CIs were calculated for Zika virus prevention behaviors. Adjusted prevalence
ratios were estimated to examine the association of pregnancy status with healthcare
provider counseling on Zika virus prevention behaviors, controlling for age, education,
and health insurance status.
Results
Most women reported using screens on open doors/windows (87.7%) and eliminating standing
water in/around their homes (92.3%). Other Zika virus prevention behaviors were less
common (<33%). In adjusted analysis, pregnant women were more likely than women not
at risk for unintended pregnancy to report using mosquito repellent every/most days
(adjusted prevalence ratio=1.44, 95% CI=1.13, 1.85). Healthcare provider counseling
was associated with receiving professional spraying/larvicide treatment (adjusted
prevalence ratio=1.42, 95% CI=1.17, 1.74), sleeping under a bed net (adjusted prevalence
ratio=2.37, 95% CI=1.33, 4.24), using mosquito repellent (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.57,
95% CI=1.40, 1.77), and wearing long sleeves/pants (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.32,
95% CI=1.12, 1.55).
Conclusions
Receipt of healthcare provider counseling was more consistently associated with Zika
virus prevention behaviors than pregnancy status. Healthcare provider counseling is
an important strategy for increasing the uptake of Zika virus prevention behaviors
among women aged 18–49 years.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: May 02, 2021
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
