Anna W Brittain1, Euna M August2, Lisa Romero3, Margaret Sheahan4, Jamie Krashin3, Charity Ntansah5, Margaret A Honein3, Denise J Jamieson3, Esther M Ellis6, Michelle S Davis6, Eva Lathrop7. 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia. Electronic address: abrittain@cdc.gov. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia. 4. Department of Health, Family Planning Program, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. 5. Karna, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia. 6. Department of Health, St. Croix Office, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands. 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global Health Protection, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Between January and October 2016, 575 symptomatic confirmed cases of Zika virus infection were reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Preventing unintended pregnancy among women who choose to delay or avoid pregnancy is a primary strategy to reduce these adverse outcomes. METHODS: A rapid assessment, using one men's and five women's focus groups (N = 43), was conducted to inform communication efforts to increase awareness of contraception as a means for preventing unintended pregnancy in the context of a Zika outbreak in the USVI. RESULTS: Findings showed that people of reproductive age were aware of the relationship between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. However, when discussing methods for prevention, participants did not include preventing unintended pregnancy as a strategy to reduce these adverse outcomes. When asked about family planning in the USVI, participants discussed that, for some, planning pregnancies is not common. Participants wanted communications about contraception to include available methods, side effects, costs, and safety. Optimal communication channels included social media and local spokespersons. Participants identified health care providers as a trusted information source. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this assessment informed the design of a culturally appropriate communication strategy to raise awareness of the prevention of unintended pregnancy as a primary strategy to reduce Zika-related adverse birth outcomes in the USVI. Published by Elsevier Inc.
BACKGROUND: Between January and October 2016, 575 symptomatic confirmed cases of Zika virus infection were reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Preventing unintended pregnancy among women who choose to delay or avoid pregnancy is a primary strategy to reduce these adverse outcomes. METHODS: A rapid assessment, using one men's and five women's focus groups (N = 43), was conducted to inform communication efforts to increase awareness of contraception as a means for preventing unintended pregnancy in the context of a Zika outbreak in the USVI. RESULTS: Findings showed that people of reproductive age were aware of the relationship between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. However, when discussing methods for prevention, participants did not include preventing unintended pregnancy as a strategy to reduce these adverse outcomes. When asked about family planning in the USVI, participants discussed that, for some, planning pregnancies is not common. Participants wanted communications about contraception to include available methods, side effects, costs, and safety. Optimal communication channels included social media and local spokespersons. Participants identified health care providers as a trusted information source. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this assessment informed the design of a culturally appropriate communication strategy to raise awareness of the prevention of unintended pregnancy as a primary strategy to reduce Zika-related adverse birth outcomes in the USVI. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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