Risks, trust and knowledge: determinants of pregnant women's decisions regarding participation in a future Q fever screening and treatment program during a large epidemic in The Netherlands

Objective Contracting Q fever during pregnancy carries a risk of developing obstetric complications. The aim of this study was to gain insight into pregnant women's decisions regarding participation in a future Q fever screening and treatment program.

Methods Pregnant women (N = 148) in Q fever high-risk areas in The Netherlands were recruited via midwives' practices and via an online panel for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The outcome measures included intention to participate in the program, Q fever exposure risk, perceived Q fever risk, trust in health professionals and authorities, disease-related knowledge and additional outcome measures.

Results Fifty-six percent of the respondents intended to participate in the screening and treatment program. The sole determinant of a higher intended program uptake was a more positive appraisal of program efficacy and convenience. This appraisal was in turn associated with perceived risk and knowledge.

Conclusion Women's appraisal of program efficacy and convenience, their disease-related knowledge and perceived Q fever risk seem to be crucial for their intended program uptake. A successful implementation of a Q fever screening and treatment program may thus depend on the benefits and downsides of the program, and on securing that women are aware of the risks of the disease. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.