NYMC Faculty Publications
Gender Disparities in Zika Virus Knowledge in a Potentially At-Risk Population from Suburban New York City
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.
Recommended Citation
Teich, A., Lowenfels, A., Solomon, L., & Wormser, G. (2018). Gender Disparities in Zika Virus Knowledge in a Potentially At-Risk Population from Suburban New York City. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 92 (4), 315-318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.07.003
