title: Knowledge of vaccination of allergic children among Italian primary care pediatricians, hospital pediatricians and pediatric residents.
abstract: A cross-sectional survey of Italian pediatricians and pediatric residents was carried out between 15 September and 18 October 2008 in order to evaluate their knowledge concerning the administration of vaccines to children with suspected or proved allergies. Of the 750 physicians who accepted to participate (620 pediatricians and 130 residents), 630 (84.0%; 407 females; mean age 43.5 ± 11.2 years) returned completed questionnaires: 268 primary care pediatricians (42.5%), 244 hospital pediatricians (38.8%), and 118 pediatric residents (18.7%). Knowledge concerning the vaccination of children with suspected or proved allergies was far from optimal, with the poorest knowledge being shown by the pediatric residents and no difference between the primary care and hospital pediatricians. Since pediatricians are the main parents' advisors regarding vaccinations, these results indicate an urgent need for educational programmes (especially for residents) and evidence-based guidelines concerning vaccinations in children with suspected or proved allergies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maternal and Pediatric Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 9, 20122 Milano, Italy. Susanna.esposito@unimi.it
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Azzari
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bartolozzi
authors.forename: Gaetano Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Fara
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giovanetti
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lo Giudice
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Galeone
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciofi degli Atti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D008875:Middle Aged; D010372:Pediatrics; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects