EP04.10: Short cytomegalovirus video improves pregnant women's knowledge and planned adherence to hygiene precautions

To determine whether viewing a short video on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) improves knowledge of and intended adherence to hygiene precautions in pregnant women, and to assess acceptability of the video content. Participants were surveyed prior to (T1) and immediately after (T2) viewing the CMV video and again 8 weeks later (T3). Descriptive statistics were used to examine survey responses. Mean change in test scores T2-T1 and T3-T1 were estimated using a linear mixed effects model, with test scores as the response, time point as the predictor, and a random intercept for each participant to account for repeated measures. The model was adjusted for previous exposure to CMV education, multiparous status, age and socioeconomic status. A similar mixed effects model was used to examine change in planned adherence to CMV hygiene precautions. Participants (n = 218), mean age 33.1 (3.9; 18, 43), predominantly received midwifery-led (31%) or private obstetric care (29%). Most were multiparous (61%) and had not previously received CMV education (73%). Total adjusted knowledge scores increased significantly between T1 (n = 218) and T2 (n = 149) (+1.34; 1.00, 1.67, p < 0.001)) and remained significantly higher at T3 (n = 29) compared to T1 (+1.17; 0.52, 1.81, p<0.001). Adjusting for previous CMV education, increases (T1-T2) were observed in adherence to precautions (washing hands after nappy changes and wiping noses, not sharing food or cutlery, not putting a child's dummy in your mouth, avoiding kisses on the lips from children) (p < 0.001). At T3 these increases were maintained for ‘not sharing food or cutlery’ and ‘avoiding kisses’. At T2, 43% of women felt worried after watching the video, while 81% felt informed. Overall, 98% agreed that information in the video was important to know. Viewing the CMV video improved pregnant women's knowledge and planned adherence to hygiene precautions, sustained at 8 weeks. Participants felt CMV education was important.