Primary care nurses’ knowledge on Zika virus infection during pregnancy

Abstract

Cases related to Zika Virus infections in Brazil have become a severe public health problem due to its relation to microcephaly and other neurological and development problems in newborn babies of mothers who were infected by the Zika virus. Nurses are vital professionals in combating this infection, both for prevention and vector control; as well as handling the target public. Therefore, the research aimed to investigate Primary Care nurses’ knowledge on Zika virus infection during pregnancy. It is a descriptive field study with qualitative approach carried out at Family Health Strategy, in the city of Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection, which were submitted to thematic-content analysis. The nurses replied that there is not much information about Zika virus infections, and reported brain impairment as the main consequence for the newborn baby. Nurses also revealed that many women of the community showed negative feelings towards the pregnancy, and they pointed out the importance of health education actions in the community for dissemination of information on Zika virus infection control and prevention. Nurses’ contribution regarding the assistance provided to the community is considered satisfactory. However, there was a need to bring efficient and updated professional training to the reality of each community. Therefore, it is suggested that training be provided through continued health education to professionals.