Parental Knowledge and Understanding of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and How to Decrease the Risk of Infection: The Canadian Premature Babies Foundation Survey 2023.

Abstract

The purpose of this survey is to evaluate parental knowledge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its prevention. The study design used is an online survey. A total of 331 Canadian parents of preterm infants completed the survey. The main outcome variables used in the survey are knowledge of RSV, sources of information, and understanding strategies to decrease the risk of RSV infection. Of the participants, 99.4% understood the seriousness of RSV, but 19.6% were not confident in their knowledge. Respiratory syncytial virus education was provided to 75.6% in the hospital. 98.7% of uninformed parents wished they had been enlightened. Postdischarge, 60.5% felt unconfident in protecting their infant, and 70.8% searched for information. Health care professionals were the recommended source for RSV information (82.4-85.0%). Despite 98.6% understanding the importance of childhood immunizations, 24.1% remained anxious. Moreover, 65.4% received information about palivizumab, and 97.0% were confident about its use. Although 79.4% were unaware of nirsevimab, 75.4% would accept it. For maternal RSV vaccination, acceptability was 72.6%. Parents require accurate, reliable, and consistent information on RSV and its prevention, delivered to them in the NICU, following discharge, and via reputable online resources. Health care professionals, both in the NICU and community, should be well-informed and receive regular education throughout the year on RSV and the latest thinking on prevention.