Immunization coverage and predictive factors for complete and age-appropriate vaccination among children of preschool age

Background and aims:To assess immunization coverage and identify factors influencing complete and age appropriate vaccination among children attending public nurseries in the municipal Athens area, following a full reimbursement policy (since 2008 for MCC, PCV7, varicella and hepatitis A vaccines).Methods:A cross-sectional study, using stratified sampling was performed during 2009-2011. Immunization history was obtained from vaccination booklets while demographic and socioeconomic characteristics along with parental attitudes towards immunization by telephone interviews. Percentages of vaccination were estimated by sample weighted proportions while associations between complete and age-appropriate vaccination and possible determinants by logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 731 children (mean age: 46, median: 48, range: 10-65 months) were included (participation rate: 81.6%). Complete vaccination coverage was satisfactory overall, exceeding 90% for traditional antigens (DTP, polio, Hib, hepatitis B, 1st dose of MMR) but ranging between 61-92% for newly reimbursed vaccines. However, immunization was significantly delayed for new vaccines, as well as for hepatitis B (only 28% were vaccinated at 12 months of age), and 2nd dose of MMR (65% at 60 months of age). Child's increasing age as well as belonging to immigrant group were significantly associated with under- or delayed immunization status while use of multivalent vaccines had a positive impact on complete and age-appropriate immunization with most vaccines.Conclusions:Our results highlight the need to monitor uptake of new vaccines and reinforce appropriate administration of booster doses and hepatitis B vaccine. Immigration was identified as risk factor for suboptimal immunization with older vaccines, but with compliance in a controlled environment

Supporting Caregivers of Patients with Childhood Malignancies

Parenting a child with malignancy can be demanding. The shift from parenting to caregiving for a child with cancer comes with the emotional, financial, and social burden that accumulates. Caregivers can often be diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome -PTSS, depression, and anxiety. The needs of caregivers of children with malignancies differ according to the diagnosis, the disease stage, the family structure, and their cultural and religious beliefs. Supporting these needs is essential for ensuring the continuity of the child’s therapy. Support methods have been described extensively in the literature. Healthcare providers in the field of pediatric cancer should be able to recognize the needs of caregivers and provide or guide them toward adequate and proper support. Supporting caregivers' needs has an immediate impact on the child’s treatment trajectory and outcome

CN69 Reducing fear and stress through educational interventions during therapeutic procedures in children and adolescents with cancer: A systematic review

Therapeutic procedures in hospitalized children and adolescents with cancer comprise a source of stress and anxiety. Educational interventions have demonstrated favorable results in children undergoing these procedures although solid guidance for children and adolescents with cancer remains scarce. We aimed to explore the effectiveness of educational interventions in children and adolescents undergoing cancer therapy

Promotion of Preventive Measures in Public Nursery Schools: Lessons From the H1N1 Pandemic

Nursery schools serve as reservoirs of transmission of infectious diseases, and teachers should be able to implement and monitor hygiene measures to prevent them. The aim of the present study was to assess the compliance of nursery school teachers on promoting preventive interventions and to identify associated factors, during the novel H1N1 influenza pandemic. A secondary objective was to evaluate their knowledge and vaccination status regarding the novel virus. A cross-sectional study was performed, with the use of a predesigned anonymous, questionnaire, and distributed to all public nursery teachers of Athens, Greece. General etiquette practices were highly acceptable to over 92% of teachers. Those with longer teaching experience promoted simple preventive measures, such as hand washing and use of hand sanitizer, more often while older children were more likely to familiarize with them. However, teachers presented inadequate knowledge concerning the novel virus and their vaccination rates with the pandemic vaccine were unacceptably low (1.1%). Our study showed that promotion of simple preventive measures is feasible and may contribute to the prevention of outbreaks in nursery schools, although knowledge gaps and fear concerning the pandemic vaccine highlight communication issues

Out-of-Hospital Administration of Medication without Prescription and Associated Factors among Preschool Children

The increasing trend of administering nonprescribed medicines in children is a significant public health issue. The aim of the present study was to assess the use of medication without a prescription (MWP), including both nonprescribed medication (NPM) and prescription-only medication (POM), and identify associated factors, among preschoolers in Athens, Greece. A predesigned questionnaire was distributed to parents from May through June 2011. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis models were used to assess associations of interest. Results showed that 95.1% of parents reported administering at least one MWP, during the previous 12 months. Antipyretics (91%) were the most commonly NPM and bronchodilators (24.8%) and antibiotics (16.4%) the most common POM dispensed. Child’s increased age group, lack of parental information, higher paternal education, and mother’s foreign nationality were associated with increased antipyretic use (p<0.05), while father’s foreign nationality and parental age were positive predictors of antibiotic administration (p<0.05). The likelihood of consuming antipyretics and antibiotics significantly increased when information was provided by a pharmacist (p=0.017 and p=0.054, resp.). Conclusively, most parents have administered at least one MWP, including antibiotics, to address symptoms of common childhood diseases, highlighting the need of information campaigns concerning the consequences of their improper use