Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether paediatricians have appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding vaccinations for infants in Italy.MethodsA random sample of 500 paediatricians received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire covering demographic and professional characteristics; knowledge about the mandatory, recommended, and not indicated vaccinations for infants; attitudes about vaccinations for infants; behaviour regarding current administration or willingness to administer mandatory or recommended vaccinations for infants and immunization education programs of the parents.ResultsOnly 42.3% paediatricians knew all recommended vaccinations for infants and this knowledge was significantly higher in females, in those who worked a higher number of hours for week, and in those who use guidelines for immunization practice. Only 10.3% had a very favourable attitude towards the utility of the recommended vaccinations for infants and this was significantly higher in those who administered recommended vaccinations for infants. A large proportion (82.7%) of paediatricians routinely informed the parents about the recommended vaccinations for infants and this appropriate behaviour was significantly higher among younger, in those with a higher number of years in practice, and in those who administered the recommended vaccinations for infants.ConclusionTraining and educational interventions are needed in order to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding vaccinations for infants among paediatricians.
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether paediatricians have appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding vaccinations for infants in Italy
In Italy, vaccinations for infants are mandatory and recommended (Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, meningococcal, mumps, pertussis, pneumococcal meningitis, rubella, varicella) and they are administered by public health physicians and paediatricians working in a public network
Haemophilus influenzae type b, pertussis, and pneumococcal meningitis vaccines are administered according to a three-dose schedule at 3, 5, and 11-12 months of age, whereas the others with a single-dose in the second year of life
Summary
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether paediatricians have appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding vaccinations for infants in Italy. Haemophilus influenzae type b, pertussis, and pneumococcal meningitis vaccines are administered according to a three-dose schedule at 3, 5, and 11-12 months of age, whereas the others with a single-dose in the second year of life. Those mandatory are actively offered free of charge whereas for the recommended the offer is independently planned by each region [3]. The objectives of the current study were to investigate whether paediatricians in Italy have knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate behaviours regarding the vaccinations for infants and to identify the variables associated
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