Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers regarding vaccinating children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

Background: Vaccinations are a critical component of pediatric care, protecting children, including those with cancer, from infectious complications - and significantly improving patient outcomes and survival. However, the practice and perception of vaccinating children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean has not been well described.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of healthcare providers involved in caring for children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean to establish their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding vaccinating this special population. The electronic, self-administered survey comprised primarily close-ended questions, such as multiple-choice, Likert scale, and true/false questions, with a few open-ended questions to enable respondents to provide information not otherwise captured.

Findings: Of 384 responses received (an 11.9 % response rate), we included 378 for analysis. These respondents represented 20 countries and were, on average, aged 44.3 years with just over 14 years of practice after completing their highest level of training. Of the 378 respondents analyzed, 321 (84.9 %) recommend vaccines to their pediatric patients with cancer, with 247 (65.3 %) referring to a vaccination guideline or clinical decision tool to help plan such vaccinations and 122 (49.6 %) referring to more than one guide.

Interpretation: Our findings show general agreement with and support for vaccinating children with cancer, especially against influenza. Respondents reported high levels of knowledge, mostly positive attitudes, and support for recommending vaccines to patients. However, their vaccine recommendations were inconsistent. It is important to explore influential contextual factors at the institutional and governmental levels to identify strategies to increase vaccination coverage of children with cancer in the region.

Keywords: Immunization; Pediatric cancer; Vaccination.