Rates and determinants of Rotavirus vaccine uptake among children in Italy: a cross-sectional study within the 2022 OBVIOUS* project.
BMC Public Health
; 24(1): 770, 2024 Mar 12.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38475736
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The World Health Organization defines rotavirus as among the most severe causes of viral gastroenteritis affecting children under 5 year old. Italy and other European countries do not release disaggregated data on rotavirus vaccination coverage. This study aimed to assess the uptake and drivers of rotavirus vaccination in Italy.METHODS:
We administered a survey to 10,000 Italian citizens recruited via an online panel and proportionate to key demographic strata. We examined rotavirus vaccine uptake among parents whose youngest child was aged 6 weeks to 4 years, their sociodemographic characteristics, their beliefs about vaccine administration, and who recommended the rotavirus vaccination.RESULTS:
A total of 711 respondents met the inclusion criteria for the rotavirus vaccine questionnaire. The uptake was estimated at 60.3% nationwide (66.4% among mothers and 50.2% among fathers). Being a mother and living in cities/suburbs was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of vaccine uptake, while fathers were more likely to be uncertain of their children's vaccine status. Living in Central Italy and having friends/relatives opposed to vaccination were found to be significantly associated with a lower likelihood of vaccine uptake, while parents' education level and children's demographics were not found to correlate with any outcomes. In 90.3% of cases, the rotavirus vaccination was recalled as being recommended by a paediatrician.CONCLUSIONS:
Consistent collection of behavioural preferences and socioeconomic characteristics of recipients of rotavirus vaccine campaigns, their epidemiological information, cost-benefit, and national policy data are crucial for designing effective vaccination strategies in Italy and other European countries with similar social profiles to reach the target uptake.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Infecciones por Rotavirus
/
Rotavirus
/
Vacunas contra Rotavirus
Límite:
Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
/
Infant
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Public Health
Asunto de la revista:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia