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Stafford M, Prabhu S, Acosta Egea S, Garcia Gonzalez MDC, Shetty AK. Knowledge and Attitudes about Zika Virus Infection and Vaccine Intent among Medical Students in Costa Rica. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2453-2459. [PMID: 33146106 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a public health problem in the Americas. We assessed ZIKV knowledge, attitudes, and future ZIKV vaccine intent among medical students. In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of medical students in San José, Costa Rica, were surveyed to assess knowledge, attitudes, vaccine intent, and sources of information about ZIKV. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated. Factors associated with vaccine intent were determined by bivariate analysis using a chi-square test. Of 468 participants surveyed, majority were females (299, 63.8%) and lived in urban areas (411, 87%). The participant mean knowledge score was 12.2 (SD: 3.65) out of a possible 20. Students residing in suburban or rural areas (odds ratio [OR]: 0.432; CI: 0.24-0.78), first- or second-year students (OR: 0.423; CI: 0.27-0.67), and aged < 20 years (OR: 0.586; CI: 0.36-0.97) had significantly lower knowledge scores. The participant mean attitude score was 30.2 (SD: 4.76) on a scale of 13-65, with lower numbers indicating a concern for ZIKV severity. A majority of the participants indicated they would be likely or extremely likely to receive a ZIKV vaccine (420, 89.7%) and recommend the vaccine to their patients (439, 93.8%). Vaccine intent was not influenced by demographics, total knowledge, and attitude scores. Students (388, 83%) identified the Internet as their primary source of ZIKV information. A majority of students demonstrated a positive attitude toward ZIKV and willingness to accept and recommend a vaccine. Low knowledge scores underscore the need for ZIKV education, especially in the early years of medical school. Use of the Internet should be considered in dissemination of ZIKV education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Stafford
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sumathi Prabhu
- Department of Mathematics, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India
| | | | | | - Avinash K Shetty
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Iguiñiz-Romero R, Guerra-Reyes L. On the front line: Health professionals and system preparedness for Zika virus in Peru. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020; 148 Suppl 2:45-54. [PMID: 31975393 PMCID: PMC7064929 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To analyze the initial healthcare response to the Zika virus in Piura, Peru, and assess the perceptions of midwives and nurses regarding their role in prevention of Zika virus and management of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Methods This ethnographic study used a rapid qualitative assessment design. Data were collected through a focus group with midwives and in‐depth interviews with midwives (n=11) and nurses (n=5). Results The focus of the early Zika virus response in Piura was on pregnant women and vector control. Midwives received some training on Zika‐related care during the early response. Nurses did not receive any Zika‐specific training. Neither nurses nor midwives were trained in neonatal CZS surveillance. Midwives were clear about the value and feasibility of incorporating Zika virus surveillance in their daily work, however nurses were not. They referred to lack of training and appropriate tools as limitations. Confusion about Zika virus and CZS symptomatology and effects persisted in both groups. Concerns about their own personal risk influenced the ways they engaged with Zika virus prevention in the community. Conclusion Long‐term management of endemic Zika virus in Piura will require the engagement of both nurses and midwives as primary care providers. A cost‐effective and culturally competent approach should include a broader focus on family planning and child development surveillance. This requires cross‐disciplinary collaboration between nurses and midwives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Iguiñiz-Romero
- School of Public Health and Administration, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru
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Abu-Rish EY, Elayeh ER, Albsoul-Younes AM. The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:974-980. [PMID: 30675847 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Y Abu-Rish
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman R Elayeh
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abla M Albsoul-Younes
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Spatial distribution of dengue in Honduras during 2016-2019 using a geographic information systems (GIS)-Dengue epidemic implications for public health and travel medicine. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 32:101517. [PMID: 31715270 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After serious epidemics of chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) in the Americas, dengue (DENV) have reemerged in most countries. We analyzed the incidence, incidence rates, and evolution of DENV cases in Honduras from 2015 to 2018 and the ongoing 2019 epidemic. METHODS Using epidemiological weeks (EW) surveillance data on the DENV in Honduras, we estimated incidence rates (cases/100,000 population), and developed maps at national, departmental, and municipal levels. RESULTS From January 1, 2016 to July 21, 2019, a total of 109,557 cases of DENV were reported, 28,603 in 2019, with an incidence rate of 312.32 cases/100,000 population this year; 0.13% laboratory-confirmed. The highest peak was reached on the EW 28°, 2019 (5299 cases; 57.89 cases/100,000 population). The department with the highest number of cases and incidence rate was Cortes (8404 cases, 479.68 cases/100,000 population in 2019). DISCUSSION The pattern and evolution of DENV epidemic in 2019 in Honduras has been similar to that which occurred for in 2015. As previously reported, this epidemic involved the north and central areas of the country predominantly, reaching municipality incidences there >1000 cases/100,000 population (or 1%). Studies using geographical information systems linked with clinical disease characteristics are necessary to obtain accurate epidemiological data for public health systems. Such information is also useful for assessment of risk for travelers who visit specific areas in a destination country.
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Zambrano LI, Vasquez-Bonilla WO, Fuentes-Barahona IC, Cláudio da Silva J, Valle-Reconco JA, Medina MT, England JD, Sánchez-Duque JA, Rodríguez-Morales AJ. Spatial distribution of Zika in Honduras during 2016-2017 using geographic information systems (GIS) - Implications for public health and travel medicine. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 31:101382. [PMID: 30721779 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has significantly affected Latin America in 2015-2017. Most studies have been reported from Brazil and Colombia, and only a few from Central America. For these reasons, we analyzed the incidence, incidence rates and evolution of cases in Honduras from 2016 to 2017. METHODS Using epidemiological weeks (EW) surveillance data on the ZIKV epidemics in Honduras, we estimated incidence rates (cases/100,000 population), and developed maps at national, departmental and municipal levels. RESULTS From 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017, a total of 32,607 cases of ZIKV were reported (98.5% in 2016 for an incidence rate of 36.85 cases/100,000 pop; 1% confirmed by RT-PCR). The highest peak was reached on the EW 6°, 2016 (2559 cases; 29.34 cases/100,000 pop). The department with the highest number of cases and incidence rate was Cortés (13,128 cases, 791.08 cases/100,000 pop in 2016). DISCUSSION The pattern and evolution of ZIKV infection in Honduras have been similar to that which occurred for chikungunya in 2015. As previously reported, infection with chikungunya involved predominantly the central and capital area of the country, reaching incidences there >750 cases/100,000 pop. Studies using geographical information systems linked with clinical disease characteristics are necessary to attain accurate epidemiological data for public health systems. Such information is also useful for assessment of risk for travelers who visit specific areas in a destination country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lysien I Zambrano
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medical, Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Cardiovascular Division, Department of Physiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Colombian Collaborative Network of Zika (RECOLZIKA), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | | | - Itzel Carolina Fuentes-Barahona
- School of Medical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - José Cláudio da Silva
- Centro Universitário CESMAC, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil; State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas - UNCISAL, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Tulio Medina
- Colombian Collaborative Network of Zika (RECOLZIKA), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia; School of Medical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; World Federation of Neurology Zika Working Group, London, SW6 3JA United Kingdom
| | - John D England
- World Federation of Neurology Zika Working Group, London, SW6 3JA United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jorge A Sánchez-Duque
- Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Alfonso J Rodríguez-Morales
- Colombian Collaborative Network of Zika (RECOLZIKA), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia; Public Health and Infection Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia; Committee on Travel Medicine, Asociación Panamericana de Infectología, Panama, Panama; Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, UniFranz, Cochabamba, Bolivia.
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