[The knowledge about measles, mumps and rubella among parents in the county of Roskilde].

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to determine how much knowledge parents have of MMR diseases and the side effects of the vaccine, and what influence this has on acceptance of the vaccination programme.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sampling three districts of Roskilde County was done by the distribution of 1867 questionnaires to the parents of children aged 0-15 years in 22 institutions and schools (1 January to 28 February 2000).

RESULTS

Of the 878 (47%) replies, 825 (94%) had followed the vaccination programme. There was no difference between those who had followed the programme and those who had not with respect to reports of complications to the diseases, but the latter group reported more complications to the vaccine. In the vaccinated group, there were significantly more who stated that the doctor's opinion of the vaccine was positive, and acceptance of the remaining vaccination programme was also greater in this group. More children in the non-vaccinated group were involved in the decision about vaccination.

DISCUSSION: Though knowledge of the diseases does not seem to influence the decision about vaccination, the responses raise the question of how information is to reach the general public. An open debate is needed on vaccination complications, as it is these or uncertainty about them that seem to influence the parents' choice. For 70% of parents, the doctor is their source of information, and it is therefore important for acceptance of the MMR vaccine that doctors have a positive view and are able to communicate this view to the parents.