Turkish pediatricians' knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and immunization strategies: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess Turkish pediatricians' knowledge and attitudes regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and its current immunization strategies.

Methods: From May 10 to June 4, 2024, we invited 1603 pediatricians who subscribed to the website of The Turkish Pediatrics Atelier via e-mail to respond to an online questionnaire. A total of 401 pediatricians responded.

Results: Of pediatricians, 11% stated that they routinely use chest X-ray (CXR) for diagnosing RSV illness. When managing RSV-positive patients, while 44.4% of pediatricians indicated that they need a CXR if there are lung auscultation findings, the rate of routine CXR usage was 22.7%. While most pediatricians (74.8%) stated that they prefer nebulized salbutamol and/or corticosteroid; 43.4% used hypertonic saline; and 22.7% used nebulized epinephrine as a treatment option. While 60.3% of pediatricians had no information about the maternal RSV vaccine; 58.1% stated that they would recommend it to only willing women; 16% stated that they would not recommend it; and 25.9% indicated that they would recommend it to every pregnant individual. While most pediatricians (79.8%) had knowledge about nirsevimab; 14% indicated that it was not approved in children worldwide; 49.1% stated that it is more effective than palivizumab; and 37.9% indicated that they would start administrating it immediately after its approval and availability in Türkiye.

Conclusions: The use of CXR and administration of non-evidence-based therapies in diagnosing and managing RSV illness were relatively high. Additionally, there is a notable gap in knowledge and awareness regarding the maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab.