Investigating parental perceptions of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and attitudes to RSV vaccine in Jiangsu, China: Insights from a cross-section study.

Abstract

Introduction: Our study aimed to assess parents' perceptions of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and their attitudes towards the RSV vaccine in China.

Method: The cross-section study was performed between August 21 and November 15, 2023, in Jiangsu province, eastern China. We collected socio-demographics, awareness, knowledge, perceptions of susceptibility and severity of RSV, and attitudes towards RSV vaccine using online survey questionnaire from parents of child aged ≤14 years old. The chi-square test and logistic regression model to explore the associated factors.

Results: A total of 2135 participants were included. About 26.0 % indicated that they had never heard of RSV (556/2135) and were unaware that infants and young children are at a high risk of contracting RSV (557/2135). The proportion of parents with a child under 1 year of age who were unaware of RSV was notably higher than that of parents with children in other age groups. 42.9 % of parents (916/2135) showed low level of perceived susceptibility of contacting RSV infection for their child. 70.6 % of parents (1508/2135) expressed their willingness to vaccinate their child against RSV. The most common reason for refusing the RSV vaccine was "Concern about vaccine's safety or side effects." 60.8 % of participants (1299/2135) considered a price of the RSV vaccine below 200 CNY (28 USD) as acceptable.

Conclusion: The parents, particularly those with younger children, exhibited limited awareness and knowledge regarding RSV infection. Our study also showed the potential role of vaccine price as a barrier to the future use of RSV vaccine in China.