Community Members’ Perceptions of Risk, Knowledge of Zika, Exposure to Communications, Trusted Sources of Information about Zika, and Opinions about Selected Vector Control Strategies

BACKGROUND: The 2015 Zika virus outbreak in Brazil has been in the spotlight because of observed dangers to newborns in the affected areas. The United States has addressed this outbreak in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U. S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an effort to assess the knowledge and perception of the Zika virus in the USVI. The CDC deployed a behavioral assessment team to train and assist VIDOH staff with the assessment protocol and execution.

METHODS: We conducted randomized in-person intercept interviews throughout St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John using the Epi Info application on Samsung Galaxy 8.0 Tablets. Respondents completed open- and close-ended questionnaires assessing general Zika knowledge and perceptions, protective measures, and opinions on potential VIDOH driven vector control responses.

RESULTS: Of 148 in-person interviews, 15 (10%) respondents recognized symptoms, 78 (53%) considered Zika a serious personal health concern, while 120 (81%) considered Zika a serious community health concern. Regarding personal protective practices and perceptions, 70 (47%) respondents utilized mosquito repellent as a form of protection, and 86 (58%) considered themselves unlikely to be infected with the Zika virus. When asked about pesticide application for vector control purposes, 111 (75%) voiced support for backpack spraying, 135 (91%) voiced support for mosquito traps, 96 (65%) indicated they would support spraying from trucks, and only 36 (24%) indicated they would support spraying from airplanes.

CONCLUSIONS: The VIDOH will use the results of this assessment as a guide to effective public health communication and response to the Zika outbreak in the US Virgin Islands. Through identification of misconceptions and limited knowledge areas, the focus can be changed to at-risk populations. Additional education may be needed to convince the general populace of the benefits of vector control approaches.