ABSTRACT
The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System-Zika Postpartum Emergency Response study, implemented in Puerto Rico during the Zika virus outbreak (2016-2017) and after Hurricanes Irma and María (2017-2018), collected pregnancy-related data using postpartum hospital-based surveys and telephone follow-up surveys. Response rates of 75% or more were observed across five study surveys. The study informed programs, increased the Puerto Rico Department of Health's capacity to conduct maternalâinfant health surveillance, and demonstrated the effectiveness of this methodology for collecting data during public health emergencies. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(4):574-578. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306687).
Subject(s)
Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus , Emergencies , Female , Humans , Postpartum Period , Pregnancy , Public Health , Puerto Rico/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vitamins , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Decreased use of health care services (1), increased exposure to occupational hazards, and higher rates of substance use (2) might contribute to men's poorer health outcomes when compared with such outcomes for women (3). During the transition to fatherhood, paternal health and involvement during pregnancy might have an impact on maternal and infant outcomes (4-6). To assess men's health-related behaviors and participation in fatherhood-related activities surrounding pregnancy, the Puerto Rico Department of Health and CDC analyzed data from the paternal survey of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System-Zika Postpartum Emergency Response (PRAMS-ZPER)* study. Fewer than one half (48.3%) of men attended a health care visit for themselves in the 12 months before their newborn's birth. However, most fathers attended one or more prenatal care visits (87.2%), were present at the birth (83.1%), and helped prepare for the newborn's arrival (e.g., by preparing the home [92.4%] or purchasing supplies [93.9%]). These findings suggest that opportunities are available for public health messaging directed toward fathers during the perinatal period to increase attention to their own health and health behaviors, and to emphasize the role they can play in supporting their families' overall health and well-being.
Subject(s)
Health Promotion/methods , Men's Health , Perinatal Care , Adult , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , Puerto Rico , Young AdultABSTRACT
We examined pregnant women's use of personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites during the 2016-2017 Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico. Healthcare provider counseling on recommended measures was associated with increased use of insect repellent among pregnant women but not with wearing protective clothing.
Subject(s)
Bites and Stings/prevention & control , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Zika Virus Infection , Adult , Disease Outbreaks , Female , Humans , Insect Repellents , Mosquito Vectors/virology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control , Protective Clothing , Puerto Rico/epidemiology , Young Adult , Zika Virus , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/prevention & controlABSTRACT
We examined condom use throughout pregnancy during the Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico during 2016. Overall, <25% of women reported consistent condom use during pregnancy. However, healthcare provider counseling was associated with a 3-fold increase in consistent use, reinforcing the value of provider counseling in Zika prevention efforts.
