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Morris M, Brito A, Malta M, Jacques I, Rocha G, Novaes R, Mantsios A, Kerrigan D. Experiences of women raising children with congenital Zika syndrome along a trajectory of prevention, care and support in Brazil. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3533-3547. [PMID: 35849617 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2098999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Social science research investigating the social dynamics of Zika and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is essential to inform future services related to Zika and other infectious diseases. We sought to understand lived experiences with Zika during pregnancy, birth, and post-partum by conducting in-depth interviews with a sample of 31 women infected with Zika during the 2015-16 outbreak who had a child with CZS in Pernambuco, Brazil. Transcripts were coded using thematic content analysis. Many women experienced shock when their children were born with CZS given the lack of information they were provided during the antenatal period. Stigma from loved ones and community members was a salient theme as were financial difficulties arising from women having to stop working to care for their child. While women experienced significant challenges caring for a child with CZS, they also exhibited resiliency in their ability to move from shock and sorrow to focusing on the needs of their child. While support services were generally available, they were often located at a significant distance. Results underscore the need for interventions to improve patient-provider communication, address socio-structural stressors, and support individual and collective resilience in women and families affected by Zika in lower resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Morris
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ana Brito
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Brazil
| | - Monica Malta
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR/CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA.,Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Deanna Kerrigan
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Schuler-Faccini L, Del Campo M, García-Alix A, Ventura LO, Boquett JA, van der Linden V, Pessoa A, van der Linden Júnior H, Ventura CV, Leal MC, Kowalski TW, Rodrigues Gerzson L, Skilhan de Almeida C, Santi L, Beys-da-Silva WO, Quincozes-Santos A, Guimarães JA, Garcez PP, Gomes JDA, Vianna FSL, Anjos da Silva A, Fraga LR, Vieira Sanseverino MT, Muotri AR, Lopes da Rosa R, Abeche AM, Marcolongo-Pereira C, Souza DO. Neurodevelopment in Children Exposed to Zika in utero: Clinical and Molecular Aspects. Front Genet 2022; 13:758715. [PMID: 35350244 PMCID: PMC8957982 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.758715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Five years after the identification of Zika virus as a human teratogen, we reviewed the early clinical manifestations, collectively called congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Children with CZS have a very poor prognosis with extremely low performance in motor, cognitive, and language development domains, and practically all feature severe forms of cerebral palsy. However, these manifestations are the tip of the iceberg, with some children presenting milder forms of deficits. Additionally, neurodevelopment can be in the normal range in the majority of the non-microcephalic children born without brain or eye abnormalities. Vertical transmission and the resulting disruption in development of the brain are much less frequent when maternal infection occurs in the second half of the pregnancy. Experimental studies have alerted to the possibility of other behavioral outcomes both in prenatally infected children and in postnatal and adult infections. Cofactors play a vital role in the development of CZS and involve genetic, environmental, nutritional, and social determinants leading to the asymmetric distribution of cases. Some of these social variables also limit access to multidisciplinary professional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavínia Schuler-Faccini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Miguel Del Campo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Liana O Ventura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundação Altino Ventura, FAV, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | - André Pessoa
- Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Camila V Ventura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundação Altino Ventura, FAV, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,CESUCA-Centro Universitário, Cachoeirinha, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lucélia Santi
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Walter O Beys-da-Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge A Guimarães
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernanda Sales Luiz Vianna
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - André Anjos da Silva
- School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Medical Sciences-Universidade do Vale do Taquari-UNIVATES, Lajeado, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos-UNISINOS, São Leopoldo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Vieira Sanseverino
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Alberto Mantovani Abeche
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Diogo O Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Bancroft D, Power GM, Jones RT, Massad E, Iriat JB, Preet R, Kinsman J, Logan JG. Vector control strategies in Brazil: a qualitative investigation into community knowledge, attitudes and perceptions following the 2015-2016 Zika virus epidemic. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e050991. [PMID: 35105618 PMCID: PMC8808399 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following the rapid emergence of neonatal microcephaly in Brazil during the 2015-2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic. In response, a national campaign sought to control Aedes mosquito populations and reduce ZIKV transmission. Achieving adherence to vector control or mosquito-bite reduction behaviours, including the use of topical mosquito repellents, is challenging. Coproduction of research at the community level is needed to understand and mitigate social determinants of lower engagement with Aedes preventive measures, particularly within disempowered groups. DESIGN In 2017, the Zika Preparedness Latin America Network (ZikaPLAN) conducted a qualitative study to understand individual and community level experiences of ZIKV and other mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. Presented here is a thematic analysis of 33 transcripts from community focus groups and semistructured interviews, applying the Health Belief Model (HBM) to elaborate knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of ZIKV and vector control strategies. PARTICIPANTS 120 purposively sampled adults of approximate reproductive age (18-45); 103 women participated in focus groups and 17 men in semistructured interviews. SETTING Two sociopolitically and epidemiologically distinct cities in Brazil: Jundiaí (57 km north of São Paolo) and Salvador (Bahia state capital). RESULTS Four key and 12 major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) knowledge and cues to action; (2) attitudes and normative beliefs (perceived threat, barriers, benefits and self-efficacy); (3) behaviour change (household prevention and community participation); and (4) community preferences for novel repellent tools, vector control strategies and ZIKV messaging. CONCLUSIONS Common barriers to repellent adherence were accessibility, appearance and effectiveness. A strong case is made for the transferability of the HBM to inform epidemic preparedness for mosquito-borne disease outbreaks at the community level. Nationally, a health campaign targeting men is recommended, in addition to local mobilisation of funding to strengthen surveillance, risk communication and community engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani Bancroft
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Grace M Power
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert T Jones
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eduardo Massad
- School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- School of Applied Mathematics, Fundação Getulio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Raman Preet
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - John Kinsman
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - James G Logan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Zanatta-Coutinho R, Branco-Simão A. Abortion in the times of Zika: the perspective of women in two Brazilian municipalities. PAPELES DE POBLACION 2021; 27:33-57. [PMID: 36447797 PMCID: PMC9703644 DOI: 10.22185/24487147.2021.109.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In Brazil, abortion is considered a crime under the Criminal Code since 1940. After the Zika virus epidemic (2015-2017) and the consequent appearance of microcephaly in newborns struck South America, the debate on the decriminalization of abortion in the Brazilian society was reignited. Using data obtained from focus groups comprising women of reproductive age across different socioeconomic strata and two Brazilian cities, we investigated the perceptions of the participants on abortion, especially its use during the Zika epidemic. Although legally criminalized, abortion is prevalent among women, as a way to fulfill their reproductive desire. Criminalization puts the health and lives of women at risk, particularly those with less economic and cultural capital. We also discover the role of friends in women's decision to utilize the procedure. The strong asymmetry of power between men and women contributes to the greater vulnerability of women. The results suggest an urgent need to review the legislation on abortion concerning its criminalization and the option of safer abortion within the scope of the public health service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Zanatta-Coutinho
- Departamento de Demografia e Centro de Desenvolvimento e Planejamento Regional (Cedeplar), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Branco-Simão
- Departamento de Demografia e Centro de Desenvolvimento e Planejamento Regional (Cedeplar), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Coutinho RZ, Montalvo AV, Weitzman A, Marteleto LJ. Zika virus public health crisis and the perpetuation of gender inequality in Brazil. Reprod Health 2021; 18:40. [PMID: 33588891 PMCID: PMC7883759 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015-2017, the Americas experienced a highly consequential epidemics for pregnancy and childbearing. Mainly transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, but also through sexual intercourse, the Zika virus poses the risk of congenital Zika syndrome to fetus, which includes microcephaly and other child development complications. When a public health crisis taps directly into reproductive health, typically a feminine realm, responses to the emergency may exacerbate deeply-rooted gender norms. This paper investigates the role of gender in two relational contexts: (a) the government-led response to the pandemic in terms of communication campaigns aimed at preventing Zika infections; and (b) an individual level of response to the emergency, concerning women's negotiation with their sexual partners with regard to the prevention of Zika as well as pregnancies. METHODS We conducted content analysis of 94 unique pieces from public health communication campaigns produced by governmental agencies with the goal of promoting Zika awareness. Print and online materials were collected from May 2016 to August 2017, and included TV ads, Internet Pop-ups, and pamphlets. We also analyzed transcripts from 16 focus groups conducted with reproductive-aged women (18-40) in Belo Horizonte and Recife, two large cities differently affected by the Zika outbreak. Women answered open-ended questions connected to the epidemic, in areas such as personal knowledge and experiences with the Zika virus, experiences of their friends and acquaintances, their primary information sources, their perceptions of public health efforts toward containing the outbreak, as well as women's contraceptive use. RESULTS Campaign pieces handling pregnancy and microcephaly were largely gendered. Pieces targeted women, placing on their shoulders the responsibility for protecting a potential fetus from the disease. Importantly, campaigns neglected addressing male's participation on Zika prevention and contraceptive management, while failing to take into account Brazil's large proportion of unplanned pregnancies. Women were placed in a double bind by being expected to prevent both pregnancy and Zika, in a context where gendered power imbalances often translate in women having little power/means for condom negotiation/avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION Government and individual responses to the epidemics reinforced gender roles, situating pregnant women as responsible for averting mosquito bites and microcephaly. Further, prevention campaigns largely excluded men. Since low-socioeconomic status women possessed fewer resources to preclude infection, we also found that beyond the gender divide, this subgroup faced more pronounced Zika prevention challenges as they found it harder to negotiate condom use with their sexual partners and often could not access other types of contraceptives resulting in unplanned pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Zanatta Coutinho
- Faculdade de Ciências Econômicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and Center for Development and Regional Planning (Cedeplar), Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627-Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Aida Villanueva Montalvo
- Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 910 Thompson Hall, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Abigail Weitzman
- The College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin and Population Research Center, 116 Inner Campus Dr Stop G6000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Letícia Junqueira Marteleto
- The College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin and Population Research Center, 116 Inner Campus Dr Stop G6000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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