Scholarlink

<p>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) represents a major public health challenge as a primary cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children globally, with an estimated 33&#xa0;million cases and 100,000 deaths annually in children under five. Despite recent advances in RSV immunoprophylaxis, parental understanding of RSV epidemiology, transmission dynamics, vulnerable populations, and available preventive strategies remains inadequately characterized in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of parental awareness regarding RSV and its prevention among parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among parents residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between February and March 2026. Using convenience sampling through online platforms, we recruited parents with at least one child. A structured, self-administered Arabic questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, prior RSV awareness, knowledge of transmission routes and clinical manifestations, recognition of high-risk groups, and awareness of preventive immunization. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between demographic variables and RSV awareness. Among 214 eligible parents, the majority were female and held bachelor’s degrees. Only 35.0% (95% CI: 28.7–41.8%) had previously heard of RSV. Knowledge deficits were substantial across multiple domains, with considerable proportions unable to identify transmission mechanisms, symptoms, or high-risk populations. The majority were unaware that preventive injections exist. Among those aware of RSV prevention, social media was the predominant information source, while healthcare professionals accounted for a small minority. Educational level showed a positive but non-significant association with RSV awareness. This study reveals critically low prevalence of RSV awareness among parents in Riyadh, with substantial knowledge gaps across all domains of RSV epidemiology and prevention. These findings underscore an urgent public health need for multi-level interventions targeting both community education and healthcare system strengthening. Integrating RSV education into maternal-child health services and developing culturally appropriate health communication strategies are essential to reduce the burden of RSV-related morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Parents’ awareness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its prevention: a cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月1日

查看全文
  • Ahmed J. Alzahrani,
  • Sara Aloliyan,
  • Deem Albakran,
  • Aljohara Alhoshan,
  • Rama Alaklabi,
  • Sarah Aljalajel,
  • Tala Alfraih

摘要

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) represents a major public health challenge as a primary cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children globally, with an estimated 33 million cases and 100,000 deaths annually in children under five. Despite recent advances in RSV immunoprophylaxis, parental understanding of RSV epidemiology, transmission dynamics, vulnerable populations, and available preventive strategies remains inadequately characterized in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of parental awareness regarding RSV and its prevention among parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among parents residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between February and March 2026. Using convenience sampling through online platforms, we recruited parents with at least one child. A structured, self-administered Arabic questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, prior RSV awareness, knowledge of transmission routes and clinical manifestations, recognition of high-risk groups, and awareness of preventive immunization. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between demographic variables and RSV awareness. Among 214 eligible parents, the majority were female and held bachelor’s degrees. Only 35.0% (95% CI: 28.7–41.8%) had previously heard of RSV. Knowledge deficits were substantial across multiple domains, with considerable proportions unable to identify transmission mechanisms, symptoms, or high-risk populations. The majority were unaware that preventive injections exist. Among those aware of RSV prevention, social media was the predominant information source, while healthcare professionals accounted for a small minority. Educational level showed a positive but non-significant association with RSV awareness. This study reveals critically low prevalence of RSV awareness among parents in Riyadh, with substantial knowledge gaps across all domains of RSV epidemiology and prevention. These findings underscore an urgent public health need for multi-level interventions targeting both community education and healthcare system strengthening. Integrating RSV education into maternal-child health services and developing culturally appropriate health communication strategies are essential to reduce the burden of RSV-related morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia.