NYMC Faculty Publications

Gender Disparities in Zika Virus Knowledge in a Potentially At-Risk Population from Suburban New York City

DOI

10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.07.003

Journal Title

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease

First Page

315

Last Page

318

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2018

Department

Family and Community Medicine

Second Department

Surgery

Third Department

Medicine

Abstract

Zika virus is an emerging infection transmitted in multiple ways. In 2016 we assessed the level of knowledge about Zika virus transmission in an underserved, predominantly Hispanic, mixed gender population living in suburban New York City, many of whom potentially travel to affected regions. Based on a convenience sample of 147 participants, 134 (91%) were aware of Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes; 116 (79%) knew about transmission from a pregnant female to the fetus; and 89 (61%) were aware of sexual transmission. Age, marital status, education, and native language were unrelated to knowledge (P>0.10). Women, however, were significantly more likely than men to know about sexual transmission (P=0.023) and about maternal transmission to the fetus (P=0.044). Travel to Zika virus endemic areas was unrelated to level of knowledge (P=0.40). Greater awareness of the risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus is needed for at risk populations in the US, especially for males.

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