Abstract:
Introduction:
Zika, infection, which is a mosquito-borne virus of which
unknown to many until this present day and now the focus of serious warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease and Control and Prevention which declare the virus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Zika virus does not limit only through vector-borne transmission. It can also be through sexual and feto-maternal transmission. Currently, there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection. Preventive
strategies were an option. This study aimed to assess awareness, attitudes and perception of women towards Zika virus and their acceptance of Zika vaccine once it will be made available.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 516 women aged 18 to over 35 years old in Cebu City Philippines. A validated and pre-tested questionnaire was utilized in this study self-administered to the respondents. Data collected and SPSS was utilized for simple qualitative analysis.
Results:
Most respondents were 18-24 years old who never had pregnancy before. Awareness about Zika is low, have heard ofit, but don’t know much about Zika virus infection and only know a little about it. Subjects were not sure if they were living in or been travelling to places with Zika. However, knowledge about the transmission of Zika is quite high. Seventy six percent thought transmission through a bite of a mosquito. Attitudes of women were significantly associated with Zika virus and precautionary measures were thought out as well as preventive strategies considered as not at all hard. Respondents express that development of Zika vaccine is vital and substantially associated with the willingness to get vaccinated.
Conclusion:
Regardless of socioeconomic status, there were gaps on the level of awareness and knowledge towards Zika virus infection. Respondents had a low level of awareness how the Zika virus can be transmitted other than through mosquito bites. Consider preventive measures to prevent the infection and their willingness to accept Zika vaccine once a safe and effective be available.
Keywords: Zika virus infection, Awareness, Attitudes, Perception,
Vaccination
