Cytomegalovirus congenital infection awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards prenatal screening among Jordanian women: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy, leading to a congenital CMV (cCMV), the most common congenital infection worldwide and may lead to severe neurological sequelae. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the awareness of CMV infection and cCMV in childbearing women in high CMV prevalence countries, such as Jordan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess Jordanian women's knowledge and awareness of CMV and cCMV infection, attitudes toward prenatal and neonatal screening for CMV, and the frequency of behaviors that may increase the risk of CMV transmission. Data were collected over two months using a structured questionnaire administered face-to-face in private settings at public community centers and the University of Jordan Hospital clinics. The questionnaire included demographic variables, CMV-related knowledge, attitudes toward screening, and behaviors potentially associated with CMV transmission risk. Data were recorded electronically by interviewers. RESULTS: Out of 589 eligible women, only 16.3% of women had heard of CMV, and among those, 67% were aware of cCMV. Never-pregnant women were more likely to report awareness of cCMV than recently-pregnant women. After receiving educational information about CMV, 91.7% and 94.9% of women believed that CMV screening for pregnant women and newborns, respectively, should be offered. Additionally, 71.3% indicated they would choose prenatal screening in a future pregnancy. Childcare‑related behaviors that may increase CMV transmission-such as kissing children on the lips or sharing cups and food-were commonly reported, highlighting important knowledge gaps. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a substantial lack of awareness of CMV and cCMV among Jordanian women of childbearing age, regardless of pregnancy history. However, brief education markedly improved support for both prenatal and newborn CMV screening. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive CMV education, increased public health messaging on CMV transmission, and consideration of policy measures to reduce cCMV risk in high‑prevalence populations.