Abstract Details
9/09/2025 | 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM | Breakout 6 | Memorial Hall
Awareness and Prevention of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV): A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Knowledge and Communication Strategies for People of Childbearing Age
Abstract Summary
Although studies have examined the epidemiology, long-term effects, and potential preventive measures of cCMV, research on effective communication strategies is still needed. Three primary data sets from people of childbearing age in Arizona were collected to assess baseline knowledge, awareness, and behavioral intentions around cCMV: a pre-survey, focus group discussions, and a post-survey. A mixed-method approach was taken to analyze the results. Participants discussed a lack of awareness about cCMV and surprise regarding the incidence of cCMV especially when compared to other well-known conditions. One participant noted, "No one’s asking, ‘Are you thinking of becoming pregnant?’ They’re asking about your sexual habits rather than ‘Do you want to start a family?’" underscoring the unpredictability in when and how people receive crucial information. There was a call for early intervention, beginning with sex-education in school and continuing throughout pregnancy, to ensure individuals are well informed. Another emerging theme was the challenges that exist in changing ingrained and culturally influenced behaviors, such as sharing food or kissing your child, which are linked to cCMV transmission. This emphasizes the importance of strategies that help create habits in a realistic, actionable way rather than simply discussing what someone should avoid. Trust in healthcare providers as primary sources of information was also prevalent, however, inconsistencies in communication and the passive nature of educational materials raised concerns. One participant emphasized, "It’s kind of up to the individual to vocalize whether they want information," suggesting a need for more structured, proactive education. The insights gained through this study will provide actionable tools for providers to support their patients and improve information sharing about cCMV with people of childbearing age.
Learning Objectives
- Assess the environment of cCMV education among people of childbearing age in Arizona.
- Identify the communication messages that parents of children diagnosed with cCMV find essential and helpful.
- Provide insights into how physicians can better support families and identify barriers and facilitators to accessing care, primarily focusing on patient-provider interactions
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Presenters
Kinza Naeem | Author, Co-Author
kinza.naeem@midwestern.edu;
Kinza Naaem is a third year medical student in the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University-Glendale AZ
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Madison Berg | Co-Author
mberg@midwestern.edu;
Madison Berg is a research assistant in the College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale AZ
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Tanisha Trivedi | Primary Presenter, Author, Co-Author
tanisha.trivedi@midwestern.edu;
Tanisha Trivedi is a medical student who is passionate about accessible science communication in healthcare, with a deeper integration of patient voices in clinical practices. Her research focuses on identifying the knowledge, practices, and beliefs surrounding cCMV to develop tools that empower providers to offer more informed, empathetic, and patient-centered care - bridging the gap between medical expertise and the human experience.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Kathleen Muldoon | POC-Point of Contact, Co-Presenter, Co-Author
kmuldo@midwestern.edu;
Kathleen M. Muldoon is Professor at Midwestern University, where she teaches Humanity in Medicine, Medical Improv, and Narrative Medicine. She is an award-winning educator and was named 2023 Educator of the Year by the American Osteopathic Association. Through her experiences with disability, she became interested in communication science and public health. Dr. Muldoon has delivered over 200 seminars worldwide. She has served on numerous academic and state committees related to diversity advocacy and disability services and chaired the Scientific Advisory Committee at the National CMV Foundation. She co-founded Stop CMV AZ/Alto CMV AZ and is a board member for Care 4 the Caregivers. Her work has been featured on National Public Radio, USA Today and several podcasts. Dr. Muldoon is also a certified coach dedicated to empowering authenticity in healthcare. She is the proud mother of three children: her middle child, Gideon, has multiple disabilities due to congenital CMV.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.