Understanding barriers to human cytomegalovirus prevention: a mixed-methods study on hygiene recommendations for pregnant women

IF 3.6 2区医学 Q1 NURSING

Women and Birth Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-09-28 DOI:10.1016/j.wombi.2026.102408

Pauline Sartori, Charlotte Chappet, Mélanie Deronzier, Heidi Deswaziere, Léa Charrier, Clara Blanc, Léo Pomar

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Problem

Human Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital infection worldwide, yet recommended hygiene measures to prevent maternal infection are difficult to implement consistently during pregnancy.

Background

Despite their effectiveness, adherence to hygiene recommendations remains suboptimal, suggesting a gap between recommendations and women’s everyday realities.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the real‑world applicability of hygiene recommendations for the prevention of cytomegalovirus during pregnancy in French-speaking Switzerland and to explore perceived barriers to their implementation.

Methods

A mixed‑methods design was used. Quantitative data were drawn from two cross‑sectional surveys conducted among pregnant or postpartum women (n = 834) and perinatal healthcare professionals (n = 341) to identify recommendations perceived as difficult to apply. These findings informed semi‑structured interviews with 12 mothers of young children, which explored barriers and facilitators to adherence.

Findings

Quantitative analyses identified avoiding contact with children’s bodily fluids and ensuring partner adherence as the most challenging recommendations. Qualitative findings confirmed these challenges and identified three key barriers: insufficient and unclear information, high mental load linked to caregiving responsibilities, and recommendations perceived as only partially feasible in everyday life. Participants emphasised the need for clearer, pragmatic guidance and shared family involvement to support implementation.

Discussion

The findings highlight a misalignment between hygiene recommendations and women’s experiences.

Conclusion

Cytomegalovirus prevention strategies should prioritise clearer and actionable recommendations, improved professional training, and family-centred communication that avoids overburdening pregnant women. Integrating digital tools, prenatal education, and public awareness initiatives may enhance adherence and support more equitable prevention.

查看原文本刊更多论文

了解人类巨细胞病毒预防的障碍：对孕妇卫生建议的混合方法研究。

问题：人类巨细胞病毒是世界上最常见的先天性感染，但建议的预防产妇感染的卫生措施在怀孕期间难以持续实施。背景：尽管卫生建议有效，但遵守这些建议仍然不是最佳的，这表明这些建议与妇女的日常现实之间存在差距。目的：本研究旨在评估瑞士法语区怀孕期间预防巨细胞病毒的卫生建议在现实世界中的适用性，并探讨实施这些建议的障碍。方法：采用混合方法设计。定量数据来自对孕妇或产后妇女（n = 834）和围产期保健专业人员（n = 341）进行的两次横断面调查，以确定被认为难以适用的建议。这些发现为对12位幼儿母亲的半结构化访谈提供了信息，该访谈探讨了坚持的障碍和促进因素。研究结果：定量分析确定避免接触儿童体液和确保伴侣坚持是最具挑战性的建议。定性调查结果证实了这些挑战，并确定了三个主要障碍：信息不足和不清楚，与护理责任相关的高精神负荷，以及被认为在日常生活中部分可行的建议。与会者强调需要更明确、务实的指导和家庭共同参与，以支持实施。讨论：研究结果强调了卫生建议和女性经历之间的不一致。结论：巨细胞病毒预防策略应优先考虑更明确和可操作的建议、改进专业培训和以家庭为中心的沟通，以避免孕妇负担过重。整合数字工具、产前教育和公众意识举措可以提高依从性，并支持更公平的预防。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Women and Birth NURSING-OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

13.20%

发文量

371

审稿时长

27 days

期刊介绍： Women and Birth is the official journal of the Australian College of Midwives (ACM). It is a midwifery journal that publishes on all matters that affect women and birth, from pre-conceptual counselling, through pregnancy, birth, and the first six weeks postnatal. All papers accepted will draw from and contribute to the relevant contemporary research, policy and/or theoretical literature. We seek research papers, quality assurances papers (with ethical approval) discussion papers, clinical practice papers, case studies and original literature reviews. Our women-centred focus is inclusive of the family, fetus and newborn, both well and sick, and covers both healthy and complex pregnancies and births. The journal seeks papers that take a woman-centred focus on maternity services, epidemiology, primary health care, reproductive psycho/physiology, midwifery practice, theory, research, education, management and leadership. We also seek relevant papers on maternal mental health and neonatal well-being, natural and complementary therapies, local, national and international policy, management, politics, economics and societal and cultural issues as they affect childbearing women and their families. Topics may include, where appropriate, neonatal care, child and family health, women’s health, related to pregnancy, birth and the postpartum, including lactation. Interprofessional papers relevant to midwifery are welcome. Articles are double blind peer-reviewed, primarily by experts in the field of the submitted work.