Women's reluctance for pregnancy: Experiences and perceptions of Zika virus in Medellin, Colombia

Objective To explore how being infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy was experienced by affected women, and how it influenced their family relationships and future family planning. Methods We conducted a qualitative study, including 19 semistructured interviews with women of reproductive age and confirmed Zika infection during 2015–2018 in Medellin, Colombia. Purposeful sampling was applied, and participants were identified through National Public Health Surveillance System records. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis with inductive and deductive approaches. Results Of 19 women interviewed, eight women identified the pregnancy as unexpected and two women had undergone permanent sterilization. Women had mixed views about decision‐making related to family planning, and not having an abortion in a future pregnancy was influenced by religious beliefs. Women knew about vector‐borne transmission but were not well informed about sexual transmission of the virus. Women desired better support and guidance to ease concerns about Zika virus. Conclusion All interviewed women expressed a need for more information about Zika virus and continuous support, specifically after delivery, from healthcare professionals. Communication strategies to enhance culturally sensitive messages and for accurate perception of information are recommended during Zika outbreaks. Women interviewed were unaware of sexual transmission of the Zika virus. Women desired continuous counselling and support during their pregnancy and after the birth.