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

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.