P3B278: Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of Caregivers of Pediatric Population Towards COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination of Pediatric Population

Background: Vaccination rates against Covid-19 (Cov-19) among children are still less-than-ideal. The knowledge, perception and attitude (KPA) of children’s caregivers towards Cov-19 pandemic and vaccines will likely influence vaccination rates in the pediatric population.

Objectives: To assess KPA of caregivers of pediatric population toward Cov-19 pandemic and attitude towards vaccination. To assess differences in KPA among caregivers identifying themselves as healthcare professionals (HCP) vs non-healthcare professionals (NHCP).

Methods: This is a descriptive, cross‑sectional, survey-based study given to English-proficient caregivers of children aged 0 days-17 years living in USA for >1 year coming for routine checkup or admission to the hospital. KPA was scored as follows: 2 points for each correct Knowledge question (n=12). A score of >=12 was considered adequate Knowledge. Perception and attitude were assessed using a 10-point Likert scale. We assessed demographics, KPA and likelihoods of vaccination. We compared KPA between HCP and NHCP. Data was assessed using frequencies, median with IQR, mean with standard deviation and Mann-Whitney U tests to check for significance (p < 0.05).

Results: Total participants were 105, 63% Blacks, median age 5 years (IQR:7), 63% NHCP, 96% caregivers had adequate knowledge, 67% children were unvaccinated (see Table 1). Only 55% caregivers identified fully vaccinating their child as a method to prevent disease, 46% knew vaccines were available for ages 6 months to < 5yrs. CDC was used by 72% caregivers for vaccine information but median level of trust towards this information was 6 (IQR:5). Median likelihood of caregivers to fully vaccinate their child was 5 (IQR: 6) with no change in attitude towards Cov-19 vaccine since they were first made available.
Table 2a shows caregivers with adequate knowledge were significantly more concerned about safety and effectiveness of the Cov-19 vaccines. Table 2b compares HCP vs NHCP and showed significantly higher knowledge in HCP who used CDC as their information source and trusted this information. NHCP were significantly more concerned about the safety and effectiveness of Cov-19 vaccines and used TV news as their source of information. No significant difference in vaccination rates of children was seen in HCP vs NHCP.

Conclusion: Majority of caregivers have appropriate knowledge overall but only few recognized fully vaccinating children as a method to prevent disease and could correctly identify vaccine-eligible age groups. Caregivers' perception and attitude toward safety and effectiveness of vaccines was concerning with lower likelihood of getting their child fully vaccinated. Majority of NHCP have TV news as the main source of information about Cov-19. HCP showed higher level of knowledge and trust in CDC information. However, this did not increase the immunization rates.