Abstract
Objectives
To understand the information needs and experiences with health care and social support among women with confirmed or possible Zika virus infection during pregnancy.
Methods
We conducted in-depth interviews with 18 women whose pregnancies were part of surveillance efforts in two states, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Using a semi-structured guide available in English and Spanish, we asked women about their experiences. We conducted a thematic analysis using NVivo 11.
Results
Only one participant reported that her infant had been diagnosed with health problems related to congenital Zika virus infection. Most participants said they received the information they needed about Zika virus and their infant’s medical care. Most participants primarily spoke Spanish and described satisfactory experiences communicating with providers, either using a mix of Spanish and English or using an interpreter. Coordination of care and clear communication among different providers was a key factor in participants’ satisfaction with health care received. Participants noted high levels of stress around the uncertainty associated with Zika virus exposure during pregnancy.
Conclusions for Practice
Although participants reported satisfaction with care, they also reported high levels of anxiety and challenges coping with the uncertainties along their journeys. Study findings support the need for guidance for providers about how to talk with women about Zika virus infection during pregnancy and specifically how to discuss the uncertainties about diagnosis and outcomes.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by a cooperative agreement between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the March of Dimes Foundation [Grant #6 NU38OT0001999-05-03, CFDA 93.424]. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Funding
This study was funded by March of Dimes Foundation (1 U380T000199-01).
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Squiers, L., Brown, S., Hauser, K. et al. Perceptions of Health Care, Information, and Social Support Among Women Affected by Zika Virus Infection During Pregnancy in Two U.S. States. Matern Child Health J 25, 1836–1841 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-021-03272-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-021-03272-7