Awareness and knowledge of cytomegalovirus infection among pregnant women in French-speaking Switzerland

Abstract

Background

In Switzerland, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infection, affecting more than 400 newborns per year. It is also the leading non-genetic cause of neurosensory impairment in children. The aims of this study were to assess the awareness, general knowledge and knowledge of hygiene measures related to CMV among pregnant women in French-speaking Switzerland, as well as identify baseline characteristics potentially associated with a better knowledge of CMV.

Methods

A regional cross-sectionnal study carried out in French-speaking Switzerland between May and December 2022, using a 36-item questionnaire available through a QR code.

Results

The majority of pregnant women surveyed, 61.6% (514/834), had already heard about CMV. Half the participants (50.4%, 375/743) knew how to protect themselves against this infection. Only 7.2% (60/834) were aware of all the consequences of congenital CMV infection in newborns, and only 1.2% (10/834) knew all the general facts about this virus (transmission, screening, treatment, fetal and maternal risks). An education above secondary level and having a high-risk profession (daycare of healthcare providers) appeared to be factors independently associated with greater awareness and knowledge of CMV, and of the hygiene measures to protect against it. Having been followed by a midwife (only or in addition to an obstetrician) was also associated with a greater knowledge of the virus, and age over 30 and being multiparous were also factors independently associated with a better knowledge of hygiene measures to adopt against CMV.

Conclusion

Awareness of CMV among pregnant women appears to have improved since a previous study conducted in Geneva in 2015. While knowledge of preventive measures among participants was insufficient to ensure comprehensive protection against CMV infection, it represents a significant improvement compared to previous studies. Further efforts are needed to enhance this knowledge to maximize its potential impact on prevention behaviors.