Using a Health Literacy Analytic Framework to Explore Zika Virus and Reproductive Health

The emergence of Zika virus as sexually transmissible and associated with birth defects may affect reproductive planning and contraception use for people in Florida. This exploratory study employed a health literacy analytic framework to explore knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inHealth literacy research and practice Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. e78 - 87
Main Authors Thompson, Erika L, Vamos, Cheryl A, Liggett, Langdon G, Griner, Stacey B, Daley, Ellen M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States SLACK INCORPORATED 01.04.2018
SLACK Incorporated
Subjects
Birth control
Disease control
Health literacy
Original Research-Qualitative
pregnancy
reproductive health
Social networks
Womens health
Zika virus
Florida
United States > US
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Summary:The emergence of Zika virus as sexually transmissible and associated with birth defects may affect reproductive planning and contraception use for people in Florida. This exploratory study employed a health literacy analytic framework to explore knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to reproductive health in the context of Zika among reproductive-age women and men in Florida. Reproductive-age people in Florida ( = 40) were interviewed between September and December 2016 about their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding Zika and reproductive health. Thematic analysis using a health literacy framework was employed. Participants reported they would use reputable online sources to access Zika information. Whereas participants generally understood Zika outcomes, transmission, and symptoms, they reported hearing more prevention messages on mosquito transmission compared to sexual transmission. Overall, participants reported Zika was not concerning given their appraisal of personal circumstances. Participants were confident they could prevent Zika via sexual transmission despite not following the recommended guidelines. Participants discussed how their understanding of Zika changed their behaviors related to mosquito control but not through sexual transmission. This study illustrated a disconnect between reproductive-age people's understanding of Zika-related prevention information and their reproductive decision-making behavior. Strategies to promote appraisal of risk for sexual transmission of Zika, infection, and unintended pregnancy are needed. . Men and women of reproductive age in Florida may be at risk for Zika virus and related negative health outcomes. This study assessed how Florida men and women find, understand, and evaluate Zika-related health information, and how that applies to their prevention behaviors. This study used health literacy as an analytic framework for an emerging health issue.
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Erika L. Thompson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center; and an Affiliate Assistant Professor, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida. Cheryl A. Vamos, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida; and a Fellow, The Chiles Center, College of Public Health, University of South Florida. Langdon G. Liggett, MPH, is a Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida. Stacey B. Griner, MPH, is a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida. Ellen M. Daley, PhD, is an Associate Dean and Professor, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida; and a Senior Fellow, The Chiles Center, College of Public Health, University of South Florida.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Grant: This study was funded by a Postdoctoral Research Award from the Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida.
ISSN:2474-8307
2475-6024
2474-8307
DOI:10.3928/24748307-20180226-01