A 4-year survey on palivizumab respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-prophylaxis: how can compliance be improved?
OBJECTIVE
To identify compliance-influencing factors and to suggest strategies for overcoming barriers in a preventive medicine program.


METHODS
A survey was conducted to evaluate compliance in children receiving palivizumab prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Demographics, neonatal variables, and parental attitudes capable of influencing the outcome of prophylaxis were studied in 216 children over a four-year period.


RESULTS
The overall compliance rate with all recommended doses of palivizumab was 87%. Among the neonatal characteristics, low birth weight and a younger age at the beginning of the program were significantly associated with good compliance (p < 0.05). The strongest factor influencing poor compliance was being foreign-born or a non-native speaker (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Compliance to RSV infection prophylaxis is reduced in infants born to foreign-born or non-native speakers. In order to enhance compliance, parents should be provided with adequate information in their own language explaining the advantages of the palivizumab prophylaxis program for RSV infections.
Pignotti
Maria Serenella
MS
Neonatal Medicine, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Via L. Giordano 13, 50132 Florence, Italy. m.pignotti@meyer.it
Catarzi
Serena
S
Donzelli
Gianpaolo
G
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001724:Birth Weight; D003144:Communication Barriers; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D000069455:Palivizumab; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab