A Survey of Parental Knowledge of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Other Respiratory Infections in Preterm Infants.

PURPOSE: Evaluate parental knowledge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory infections in preterm infants. DESIGN: Survey. SAMPLE: Five hundred and eighty-three parents of preterm infants with generalized, Canadian provincial representation. MAIN OUTCOME: Knowledge of RSV infection, sources of information, and parental understanding of disease risk. RESULTS: 97.9 percent (571/583) of the parents had heard about RSV, since they all had a preterm infant. Sixty-one percent reported having good knowledge of RSV; 19.4 percent had very good knowledge; 19.7 percent had little or no awareness of RSV-related infection. Most (86.3 percent) believed that RSV illness was a very serious condition; 13 percent recognized that it could be a major problem for their child. Principal sources of information were the nurse, doctor and pamphlets. Over 480 participants cited 3 or more sources of additional information-Internet, social media platforms, and educational sessions. Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis was a priority, but knowledge regarding the eligibility criteria for prophylaxis is essential.