1. Knowledge of Zika and perception of risk among sexually-active adults in the United States of America: results from a nationally representative sample.
- Author
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Guerra-Reyes, Lucia, Tsung-chieh Jane Fu, Williams, Deana, Herbenick, Debby, Dodge, Brian, Reece, Michael, and Fortenberry, J. Dennis
- Subjects
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ATTITUDE (Psychology) , *BITES & stings , *ZIKA virus infections , *CONDOMS , *HEALTH education , *INSECTS , *MOSQUITOES , *SENSORY perception , *RISK perception , *STATISTICAL sampling , *HUMAN sexuality , *SEXUAL intercourse , *SURVEYS , *CROSS-sectional method , *VERTICAL transmission (Communicable diseases) , *HEALTH literacy , *DISEASE risk factors , *VIRAL transmission , *PREVENTION - Abstract
Objective. To examine knowledge of Zika transmission and risk perception and to assess variability by condom use in a probability sample of sexually-active adults in the United States. Methods. Data for this study came from the 2016 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States. Data were collected in November 2016 via a cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to members of a Knowledge Panel, an address-based random sample service managed by GfK. A weighted subsample (n = 1 713) of sexually active adults, 18 - 50 years of age, was included in analyses. Results. More than 90% of men and women reported low or no perceived risk of Zika. Most participants identified mosquito bite as a route of transmission, while significantly fewer identified sexual intercourse (≈ 40%) and vertical (29% men, 41% women) transmission routes. Conclusion. Sexually-active adults in the United States, especially young men, lack awareness of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika Virus. Given the likely endemic nature of Zika, this low-risk perception is an important prevention challenge. Zika prevention messaging should address lesser known transmission routes, emphasize male education, and promote correct and consistent condom use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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