Knowledge and attitudes around cytomegalovirus in pregnant women

Project description

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus that many people carry asymptomatically. If acquired for the first time during pregnancy, it can cause serious birth defects, and CMV is the largest cause of congenital defects, which may include deafness and serious cognitive impairment. The most dangerous scenario is a CMV-seronegative woman, pregnant with her second or later child, and whose first child attends daycare and there catches CMV and passes it to their mother. Studies have shown that educating pregnant mothers around improved hygiene, for example reducing contact with their baby's urine and faeces. This project will examine the attitude and knowledge around CMV in pregnant women, and will determine the acceptability of women to receiving CMV educational material. This project will help reduce the incidence of CMV-caused birth defects.

Co-supervisors

Professor Rosalie Grivell (Head, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, FMC)

Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.