Influence of Women's Perceptions of Zika Virus on Family Planning Behavior in São Paulo, Brazil Open Access

Abstract

Zika virus was first detected in Brazil in 2015 and has greatly impacted pregnant women and their infants. The virus has since spread to numerous countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean. This study aims to understand how women's risk perceptions of Zika virus affects their family planning behavior. Qualitative interviews were conducted in Portuguese with women aged 20-40 years from high and low socio economic status focusing on perceptions of Zika virus and sexual and reproductive health practices and beliefs. Based on the 29 interviews conducted, all interviews were de-identified, transcribed verbatim, and uploaded to MAXQDA to begin thematic analysis. Study results found that young, nulliparous women and multiparous women did not have strong desires to become pregnant and believed it was wise to delay pregnancy plans until the Zika virus outbreak subsided. Older, nulliparous women felt a sense of urgency to have children and were willing to take risks and continue with their plans to become pregnant. Additional influencing factors were women's perception of relative risk, primarily how Zika was equated to dengue. Regional risk influenced women's perceptions of Zika virus, particularly how women viewed the greatest risks to be in the Northeast rather than in São Paulo. Lastly, health information influenced women's risk perceptions of Zika virus. These results indicate a need for improved public health messaging and communication about the risks and multiple ways Zika virus can be transmitted, and particular guidance for those women who are actively trying to conceive a child.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction...........................................................1

Literature Review....................................................4

Methodology.........................................................15

Results.................................................................20

Discussion.............................................................31

Recommendations..................................................38

Conclusion............................................................40

References............................................................41

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	Family Planning Sexual and Reproductive Health Brazil
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Hennink, Monique, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Does not apply (no collaborating organization)

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