Knowledge of Norovirus and Attitudes toward a Potential Norovirus Vaccine in Rural Guatemala: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Survey

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018 May;98(5):1498-1501. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0771. Epub 2018 Mar 22.

Abstract

Given limited data on norovirus vaccine acceptance, we performed an exploratory survey in a rural Guatemalan community on knowledge, interest, and willingness to pay (WTP) for a norovirus vaccine. Cluster-randomized households with children aged 6 weeks to 17 years were enrolled into one of two norovirus surveillance studies: 1) a prospective cohort (N = 207 households) and 2) two separate, community-based, cross-sectional surveys (N = 420 households). After completion of the surveillance study, vaccine surveys were completed by 564 (90%) of 627 households. Most households correctly answered questions regarding norovirus symptoms and transmission; 97% indicated interest in a hypothetical norovirus vaccine. Households with higher education had greater WTP for a vaccine (prevalence ratios = 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-3.1) and households with lower WTP were more likely to use pharmacies, the Ministry of Health, and radios for health care and information. These results suggest that a future norovirus vaccination program could be acceptable and feasible even in rural areas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Caliciviridae Infections / economics
  • Caliciviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Caliciviridae Infections / prevention & control*
  • Caliciviridae Infections / virology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Data Collection
  • Family Characteristics
  • Guatemala / epidemiology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Norovirus / immunology*
  • Rural Population
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Viral Vaccines