Uncertainties, Fear and Stigma: Perceptions of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women in Spain

Elena Marbán-Castro, Ana Villén-Gonzalvo, Cristina Enguita-Fernàndez, Anna Marín-Cos, Clara Menéndez, Maria Maixenchs and Azucena Bardají
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Elena Marbán-Castro: ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Ana Villén-Gonzalvo: ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Cristina Enguita-Fernàndez: ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Anna Marín-Cos: ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Clara Menéndez: ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Maria Maixenchs: ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Azucena Bardají: ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-15

Abstract: Similar to other epidemics, knowledge about Zika virus (ZIKV) relies upon information often coming from outside the health system. This study aimed to explore views, perceptions and attitudes towards ZIKV among migrant women from Central and South America, diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and to comprehend healthcare professionals’ perceptions of ZIKV. An exploratory qualitative study, based on phenomenology and grounded theory, was conducted in Barcelona, Spain. Data were collected through in-depth and paired interviews with women diagnosed with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals. Women showed good level of awareness of ZIKV, despite some knowledge gaps. The most consulted source of information about ZIKV was the Internet. Women expressed they suffered from anxiety and depression due to potential effects of ZIKV on their babies. They conveyed their sources of support came primarily from their partners and relatives, as well as healthcare professionals. This study stresses the dramatic health, social and emotional burden that the epidemic imposed on migrant women infected with ZIKV during pregnancy. These results may help guide psychosocial support and health measures for pregnant women and their children as part of the public health emergency response in emergent epidemics.

Keywords: views; perceptions; attitudes; zika; pregnancy; migrants; travelers; qualitative; grounded theory; Spain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6643-:d:412381

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