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Published on: January 26, 2019
Parental knowledge on the respiratory syncytial virus before the nirsevimab immunization program: Attitudes toward
Matilde Zornoza Moreno1, Jaime Jesús Pérez Martín1, Mª Cruz Gómez Moreno1
1Prevention and Health Protection Service. Public Health and Addictions Directorate General, Regional Ministry of Health, Murcia, Spain.
Insights
Most Spanish parents know about bronchiolitis but lack awareness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and nirsevimab immunization. Healthcare professionals should be the primary source for this crucial information.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe respiratory infections in young children, leading to significant hospitalizations.
- Nirsevimab, a new monoclonal antibody for RSV prevention, is now available in several countries, including Spain.
- Understanding parental knowledge is crucial for effective implementation of RSV immunization strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Spanish parents' awareness of bronchiolitis, RSV, and nirsevimab immunization prior to widespread use.
- To identify primary information sources for RSV and bronchiolitis and parental satisfaction with current information.
- To inform the development of targeted educational strategies for RSV prevention.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children under two years old in Murcia, Spain.
- A questionnaire assessed parental knowledge regarding bronchiolitis, RSV, and nirsevimab.
- Data from 3,217 respondents were analyzed to determine awareness levels and information sources.
Main Results:
- While 95.8% of parents recognized bronchiolitis, only 46.6% knew about RSV, often learning after their child's birth.
- Family members were the main source of information; only 4.8% learned from healthcare professionals (HCPs).
- Awareness of nirsevimab was low (11.2%), and those aware were not fully satisfied with the information received.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant need for improved and more effective educational campaigns targeting parents about RSV and nirsevimab.
- Healthcare professionals should be positioned as the primary source of information to enhance parental understanding and uptake of RSV immunization.
- Addressing knowledge gaps is essential to reduce the burden of RSV in Spain and globally.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children and associated with most bronchiolitis- and pneumonia-related hospitalizations. A new preventive monoclonal antibody (MAb), nirsevimab, has been launched in the United States, Luxembourg, and France, and was recently approved to be given in a population-based manner throughout Spain. This study aimed to have a first pre-immunization insight into the Spanish parental knowledge about bronchiolitis, RSV, and nirsevimab immunization. Parents in Murcia with children <2 years of age up to the date of September 1, 2023, were selected to complete a questionnaire. The primary endpoint was the parental knowledge about bronchiolitis, RSV, and nirsevimab. A total of 3,217 responses were analyzed. The majority (95.8%) were aware of bronchiolitis. Meanwhile, 46.6% of the respondents knew about RSV, most of them only after the first child's birth. Information about RSV or bronchiolitis was mainly obtained from family members, with only 4.8% reporting having been informed by Health care Professionals (HCPs). Only 11.2% of respondents were aware of nirsevimab. Nonetheless, these were not entirely satisfied with the information received (score of 3.3 out of 5) and shared that HCPs should be the primary source of information. The present survey then highlights the need for better and more efficient educational strategies directed to all parents/legal guardians. It also sheds some light on the different factors that should be considered to improve awareness of RSV immunization to decrease its burden in Spain and beyond.
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