Awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus infection among general practitioners and midwives

Abstract

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is less known but important cause of irreparable damages of the nerve, hearing and growth. The effect of education and certain health issues have been proved in reducing burden of the disease. In this study, the knowledge of healthcare providers in relation to congenital cytomegalovirus infection was measured. Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 2014, the knowledge, attitude, and practice behavior (KAP study) of practitioners and midwives was assessed. 341 questionnaires including question about the infection, such as prevalence, symptoms and complications, were fulfilled by the target group, gynecologists, pediatricians, general practitioners and midwives. The results were analyzed using oneway ANOVA, chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation and independent-t tests. Findings: Of 341 fulfilled questionnaires, 87 (25.5) were men (40 general practitioners and 47 pediatricians) and 254 (74.5) were women (60 midwives, 39 general practitioners, 55 pediatricians and 100 gynecologists) with the mean age of 39.9 ± 0.6 years. The overall knowledge score about the congenital cytomegalovirus infection was different between the specialists and general practitioners/midwives (P < 0.001). Women had more knowledge about this infection (P < 0.001). Conclusion: General practitioners and midwives, as the first line of health care providers to pregnant women, need more knowledge about the congenital cytomegalovirus infection. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.