Awareness and knowledge of congenital cytomegalovirus infection among pregnant women and the general public: a web-based survey in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The best approach to reduce congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMVi) is to practice behaviors that reduce cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission during pregnancy. Expanding awareness and knowledge of CMV is expected to result in increased practice of preventative behaviors. To this end, it is necessary to understand current awareness and knowledge of CMV. METHODS: This web-based cross-sectional survey assessed the awareness and knowledge of cCMVi among pregnant women and the general public in Japan. Participants aged 20-45 years (pregnant and non-pregnant women, and men) were identified from a consumer panel. Study outcomes (all participants) included awareness of cCMVi and other congenital conditions. Among those aware of cCMVi, outcomes included knowledge of CMV transmission routes, long-term outcomes of cCMVi, and behaviors to prevent CMV transmission during pregnancy. Outcomes limited to pregnant women included the practice of preventative behaviors and opinion on how easy it is to implement these behaviors. The data of the pregnant group (pregnant at the time of the survey) were compared with those of the general group (non-pregnant women and men). RESULTS: There were 535 participants in the pregnant group and 571 in the general group. Awareness of cCMVi was generally low (pregnant, 16.1%; general, 10.2%). Pregnant participants were significantly more aware of most congenital conditions than those in the general group, including cCMVi (P = 0.004). Knowledge about CMV/cCMVi was limited; there were no significant differences between the two groups for 24 of the 26 knowledge questions. A small proportion (one third or less) of pregnant women practiced behaviors to prevent the transmission of CMV, though most (73.3-95.3%) pregnant women who were aware of cCMVi considered such behaviors easy to implement. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness and knowledge of CMV/cCMVi is low among pregnant women in Japan; the level of knowledge is similar to that among the general public. This needs to be improved. Most pregnant women considered behaviors to prevent CMV transmission easy to perform, which indicates that effectively educating pregnant women regarding the long-term outcomes of cCMVi, CMV transmission routes, and preventative behaviors will contribute to a reduced incidence of cCMVi. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000041260 .

Survey of physician knowledge of congenital cytomegalovirus infection and clinical practices in Japan: A web-based survey.

ABSTRACT: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMVi) can cause serious and long-term effects in newborns. Without available vaccines or antiviral prophylaxis, prevention strategies for cCMVi and cytomegalovirus disease during pregnancy are limited to hygiene and behavioral interventions to prevent transmission. The objective of this study was to assess cCMVi-related awareness, knowledge, and physicians' actual and preferred clinical practices in Japan. This web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using online panels. Survey invitations were sent by email to physicians (pediatricians, obstetricians, otolaryngologists, and internists). Participants were asked about their awareness of congenital conditions, including cCMVi. Participants who were aware of cCMVi were then asked additional questions related to the study objectives. Participants included 292 pediatricians, 245 obstetricians, 245 otolaryngologists, and 279 internists. Awareness of cCMVi was generally high (69.2%-97.6%). Pediatricians and obstetricians were most knowledgeable about cCMVi; however, responses to specific questions such as those pertaining to risk factors, patient counseling, and clinical management of cCMVi varied. For example, correct identification of potential cytomegalovirus transmission routes among pediatricians ranged from 36.8% to 65.6%. Survey results showed a discrepancy between responses when physicians were asked about their actual and preferred clinical practices to manage cCMVi. For example, although around 90% of obstetricians and pediatricians considered it preferred practice to educate pregnant women about cCMVi, only 60.1% of obstetricians reported being able to actually do so in current practice.This survey revealed that knowledge about cCMVi among Japanese physicians could be improved and identified variability in clinical practice.