BACKGROUND: Zika virus disease (ZVD) has rapidly spread in the Americas –including the United States– since early 2015. A community assessment was conducted to assess Zika communication and perceived risks and behaviors about Zika among Travis County residents to provide situational awareness to public health and local officials.
METHODS: A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select households within Travis County, and a two page questionnaire was administrated. Interviews were conducted over two days in June, 2016. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using STATA.
RESULTS: Interview teams conducted 177 interviews, yielding a cooperation rate of 84.3%. An 80.8% (95%CI 74.2-86.3) identified radio/television as principal information source on Zika, followed by internet/social media, 54.2% (95%CI 46.6-61.7). The most trusted sources of information were radio/television, 51.4% (95%CI 43.8-59.0), health care workers, 44.1% (95%CI 36.6-51.7), and internet/social media, 32.3% (95%CI 25.4-39.6). Additional information about prevention and signs and symptoms was required by 38.4% (95%CI 31.2-46.0), and 35.6% (95%CI 28.6-43.1). Prevention behaviors about personal measures (mosquito repellent and long sleeve shirts/pants) were known by 60.6% (95%CI 52.7-68.1), the use of mosquito control products were identified by 47.9% (95%CI 40.0-55.8) and household protection measures such screens, avoid stagnant water, and cleaning habits, were recognized by 38.2% (95%CI 30.7-46.1). Actions to prevent stagnant water in their household were taken by 64.6% (95%IC 56.8-72.0), followed by a 39.9% (95%CI 31.5-46.9) who were taking actions to control mosquito population. Although, a 62.2% (95%CI 54.6-69.3) had flower pots or yard ornaments in their yard, and 50.9% (95%CI 43.2-58.4) had bird baths, tires, pet water dish, fountains, buckets, or rain barrels. Among the action they would like from APH were spraying/fogging 36.2% (95%CI 29.1-43.7) and more information/education about mosquito diseases, 30.5% (95%CI 23.8-37.9).
CONCLUSIONS: This assessment provided important information regarding the community’s Zika knowledge and mosquito prevention behaviors. Improvements can be made to increase awareness of Zika, based on how residents are responding. The high proportion of households who know the preventive measure but are not practicing them to protect it from Zika suggests the need for enhanced community education on preventative measures. Communication approaches are needed to give citizens the tools to evaluate their own risk and for them to use that information to prevent exposure to Zika.