Design of a national and regional survey among French general practitioners and method of the first wave of survey dedicated to vaccination

Abstract

ObjectivesFrance is currently facing a vaccine-hesitancy crisis. We conducted a questionnaire-based telephone interview with a large sample of general practitioners (GPs) as they play a crucial role in the vaccination process. Our main objectives were to study the GPs’ vaccination behaviors when it comes to their own vaccination and that of their relatives, and the vaccine recommendations made to their patients. We also aimed to understand their opinion related to the severity of vaccine-preventable diseases and to assess their trust in various sources of information. Finally, we enquired about their opinion in terms of vaccination-related tools that could help them in their daily practice. The article aimed to present the design of this panel and survey. Patients and methodsFour samples of GPs (one national and three regional) were selected among all the French GPs (metropolitan France) using random sampling. Five cross-sectional surveys should be conducted with that panel. The mean targeted sample size is 2350GPs for each survey. The survey dedicated to vaccination was conducted by telephone or on the Internet. ResultsGPs were included in the survey between December 2013 and February 2014. The national sample included 1582GPs (response rate: 46%) and the three regional samples included 1297GPs (response rate: 44%). The survey dedicated to vaccination was conducted between April and July 2014; the national sample response rate was 92% (1582/1712). ConclusionThe results of the first wave of surveys, conducted on a large sample of French GPs, provide important information to guide the French vaccination policy.