Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2019 Apr;100(4):974-980. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0715.
ZIKA virus (ZIKAV) outbreak in Latin America was associated with international concerns of ZIKAV circulation. The lack of vaccine and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs against this virus rendered prevention as the single most effective method to control its spread. Hence, this study aimed to assess Jordanian population knowledge, attitude, and practices toward ZIKAV and its prevention. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to adults in Amman, Jordan. The overall knowledge of participants was poor (mean knowledge score of 13.7/32). Between 75% and 86% of the respondents did not know the highest risk group of ZIKAV infection, its complications, and the major routes of transmission. About 40% of the population did not know that ZIKAV is sexually transmitted. Only 40% of the population believed that prevention measures are effective. Female gender, working in the medical field, having children, and the source of medical information were associated with significantly higher level of knowledge ( = 0.143, -value < 0.0001). Being pregnant, however, was not associated with a significantly high knowledge score. Physician recommendations and government's role were the most important predictors of practices toward ZIKAV prevention. Of the 14 returnees from outbreak areas, only six were tested for ZIKAV on coming back and only three continued the use of prevention measures for a sufficient time. Therefore, formulation of a national health policy, preparedness plans against any potential transmission, and organization of educational campaigns to meet the population's health educational needs are required. Special emphasis should be placed on pregnant women and travelers to/returnees from ZIKAV-affected areas.
ZIKA 病毒（ZIKAV）在拉丁美洲的爆发引起了国际社会对 ZIKAV 传播的关注。由于缺乏针对这种病毒的疫苗和美国食品和药物管理局（FDA）批准的药物，预防成为控制其传播的唯一最有效方法。因此，本研究旨在评估约旦民众对 ZIKAV 及其预防的知识、态度和实践。在安曼，约旦对成年人进行了匿名问卷调查。参与者的整体知识水平较差（平均知识得分为 13.7/32）。75%至 86%的受访者不知道 ZIKAV 感染的最高风险群体、其并发症和主要传播途径。约 40%的人口不知道 ZIKAV 是性传播的。只有 40%的人口认为预防措施有效。女性、在医疗领域工作、有孩子以及获取医疗信息的来源与知识水平显著相关（ = 0.143，P 值 < 0.0001）。然而，怀孕与知识得分的显著升高无关。医生的建议和政府的作用是预防 ZIKAV 最有效的预测指标。在从疫区返回的 14 人中，只有 6 人在返回后接受了 ZIKAV 检测，只有 3 人继续使用预防措施足够长的时间。因此，需要制定国家卫生政策、制定防范任何潜在传播的准备计划，并组织教育活动以满足民众的健康教育需求。应特别重视孕妇和前往/从 ZIKAV 疫区返回的旅行者。
