Knowledge of Zika and perception of risk among sexually-active adults in the United States of America: results from a nationally representative sample

• Published in: Revista panamericana de salud pública 2018, Vol.42, p.e43-9
• Main Authors: Guerra-Reyes, Lucia, Fu, Tsung-Chieh Jane, Williams, Deana, Herbenick, Debby, Dodge, Brian, Reece, Michael, Fortenberry, J Dennis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Health behavior; Health Policy & Services; Internet; Mosquitoes; Original Research; Polls & surveys; Risk assessment; Risk perception; Sexual behavior; Sexual health; Sexual intercourse; Variability; Young men; Zika virus
• ISSN: 1020-4989; 1680-5348; 1680-5348
• DOI: 10.26633/RPSP.2018.43

To examine knowledge of Zika transmission and risk perception and to assess variability by condom use in a probability sample of sexually-active adults in the United States. Data for this study came from the 2016 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States. Data were collected in November 2016 via a cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to members of a Knowledge Panel, an address-based random sample service managed by GfK. A weighted subsample (n = 1 713) of sexually active adults, 18 - 50 years of age, was included in analyses. More than 90% of men and women reported low or no perceived risk of Zika. Most participants identified mosquito bite as a route of transmission, while significantly fewer identified sexual intercourse (≈ 40%) and vertical (29% men, 41% women) transmission routes. Sexually-active adults in the United States, especially young men, lack awareness of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika Virus. Given the likely endemic nature of Zika, this low-risk perception is an important prevention challenge. Zika prevention messaging should address lesser known transmission routes, emphasize male education, and promote correct and consistent condom use.