Women's Reproductive Intentions and Behaviors during the Zika Epidemic in Brazil

摘要

This study uses focus group data from women of reproductive age to investigate whether and how women's fertility intentions and prevention strategies are changing in response to the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Brazil. Our findings indicate that many women fear the intrauterine consequences of ZIKV infection. Women of low socioeconomic status commonly report not desiring more children irrespective of the epidemic, but also report facing obstacles to using contraception. Women of high status report wanting to postpone pregnancy in light of the epidemic and making a more concerted effort to use contraception, sometimes changing contraceptive method. Some older high-status women who have not completed their desired fertility report actively trying to conceive during the epidemic, doing so primarily during the dry season when mosquito infestation is lowest. Many women report considering or resorting to abortion if they have been infected with ZIKV.