Knowledge Levels and Attitudes of Pediatric Physicians Regarding Meningococcal Infections and Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ALTIN, Hicran

Objective: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) clinically manifests as meningitis, meningococcemia, or a combination of both. Globally, approximately 1.2 million meningococcal cases are reported annually, resulting in 135,000 deaths. Despite meningococcal infections being a significant public health concern, widespread vaccination is not commonly practiced. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge levels and attitudes of pediatric specialists and assistant doctors regarding meningococcal infections and associated vaccines. Material and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study included pediatric specialists and assistant doctors working in Antalya. During the study period, 170 pediatricians were identified, and it was aimed to reach at least 80% of this population. A total of 150 participants, selected via snowball sampling, participated in the survey. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews and online questionnaires. Results: Of the participants, 72.7% were pediatric specialists and 27.3% were assistant doctors. The conjugate meningococcal vaccine was recommended by 68% of the participants for all patients, by 20% for highrisk patients only, while 12% did not recommend the vaccine. The primary reasons for this hesitancy included the cost of the vaccine, concerns about adverse effects, perceptions of low vaccine efficacy, and the rarity of the disease. Additionally, 47.4% of the participants suggested that the conjugate meningococcal vaccine should be included in the national immunization schedule, followed by 39.3% who recommended the rotavirus vaccine and 13.3% who recommended the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Conclusion: Our study found that pediatric specialists and assistant doctors had sufficient knowledge and generally positive attitudes towards Neisseria meningitidis infections and vaccines. However, the most significant barriers to vaccine administration were identified as cost, concerns about adverse effects, and the perception of low vaccine efficacy. It is anticipated that improving the knowledge and awareness of pediatricians will positively influence vaccine acceptance.

HEALTH attitudes; MENINGOCOCCAL infections; PHYSICIANS; MENINGOCOCCAL vaccines; ACQUISITION of data; PHYSICIANS' attitudes; PEDIATRICIANS; QUESTIONNAIRES

Medical Journal of Suleyman Demirel University, 2024, Vol 31, Issue 4, p348

1300-7416

Academic Journal

10.17343/sdutfd.1368694