Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 has led to an unprecedented pandemic where vulnerable populations, such as those with childhood cancer, face increased risk of morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 vaccines are a critical intervention to control the pandemic and ensure patient safety. This study explores global c...

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Main Authors: Allison Silverstein, Julia M. Gumy, Jessica Bate, Erica C. Kaye
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1004263/full
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author Allison Silverstein
Allison Silverstein
Julia M. Gumy
Jessica Bate
Erica C. Kaye
author_facet Allison Silverstein
Allison Silverstein
Julia M. Gumy
Jessica Bate
Erica C. Kaye
author_sort Allison Silverstein
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 has led to an unprecedented pandemic where vulnerable populations, such as those with childhood cancer, face increased risk of morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 vaccines are a critical intervention to control the pandemic and ensure patient safety. This study explores global caregiver's perspectives related to COVID-19 immunization in the context of pediatric cancer management.MethodsA mixed methods survey was developed based on consensus questions with iterative feedback from global medical professional and caregiver groups and distributed globally to caregivers of childhood cancer via electronic and paper routes. We present qualitative findings through inductive content analysis of caregiver free-text responses.ResultsA total of 184 participants provided qualitative responses, 29.3% of total survey respondents, with a total of 271 codes applied. Codes focused on themes related to safety and effectiveness (n = 95, 35.1%), logistics (n = 69, 25.5%), statements supporting or opposing vaccination (n = 55, 20.3%), and statements discussing the limited availability of information (n = 31, 11.4%). Within the theme of safety and effectiveness, safety itself was the most commonly used code (n = 66, 24.4% of total segments and 69.5% of safety and effectiveness codes), followed by risks versus benefits (n = 18, 18.9% of safety and effectiveness codes) and efficacy (n = 11, 11.6%).DiscussionThis study provides insights to guide healthcare professionals and caregiver peers in supporting families during the complex decision-making process for COVID-19 vaccination. These findings highlight the multidimensionality of concerns and considerations of caregivers of children with cancer regarding COVID-19 vaccination and suggest that certain perspectives transcend borders and cultures.
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spelling doaj.art-4a01de6f71de42468913b2d09bd6cbe52023-03-07T04:54:11ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652023-03-011110.3389/fpubh.2023.10042631004263Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative studyAllison Silverstein0Allison Silverstein1Julia M. Gumy2Jessica Bate3Erica C. Kaye4Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United StatesDivision of Pediatric Palliative Care, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United StatesSchool for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United KingdomDepartment of Paediatric Oncology, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, United KingdomDivision of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United StatesIntroductionSARS-CoV-2 has led to an unprecedented pandemic where vulnerable populations, such as those with childhood cancer, face increased risk of morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 vaccines are a critical intervention to control the pandemic and ensure patient safety. This study explores global caregiver's perspectives related to COVID-19 immunization in the context of pediatric cancer management.MethodsA mixed methods survey was developed based on consensus questions with iterative feedback from global medical professional and caregiver groups and distributed globally to caregivers of childhood cancer via electronic and paper routes. We present qualitative findings through inductive content analysis of caregiver free-text responses.ResultsA total of 184 participants provided qualitative responses, 29.3% of total survey respondents, with a total of 271 codes applied. Codes focused on themes related to safety and effectiveness (n = 95, 35.1%), logistics (n = 69, 25.5%), statements supporting or opposing vaccination (n = 55, 20.3%), and statements discussing the limited availability of information (n = 31, 11.4%). Within the theme of safety and effectiveness, safety itself was the most commonly used code (n = 66, 24.4% of total segments and 69.5% of safety and effectiveness codes), followed by risks versus benefits (n = 18, 18.9% of safety and effectiveness codes) and efficacy (n = 11, 11.6%).DiscussionThis study provides insights to guide healthcare professionals and caregiver peers in supporting families during the complex decision-making process for COVID-19 vaccination. These findings highlight the multidimensionality of concerns and considerations of caregivers of children with cancer regarding COVID-19 vaccination and suggest that certain perspectives transcend borders and cultures.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1004263/fullpediatric oncologySARS-CoV-2immunizationglobal healthpublic health
spellingShingle Allison Silverstein
Allison Silverstein
Julia M. Gumy
Jessica Bate
Erica C. Kaye
Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study
Frontiers in Public Health
pediatric oncology
SARS-CoV-2
immunization
global health
public health
title Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study
title_full Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study
title_fullStr Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study
title_short Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study
title_sort global caregiver perspectives on covid 19 immunization in childhood cancer a qualitative study
topic pediatric oncology
SARS-CoV-2
immunization
global health
public health
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1004263/full
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