Pertussis knowledge gaps among physicians

Abstract

Effective prevention and treatment of pertussis may be more likely to occur if physicians are knowledgeable about this highly communicable infectious disease. Multiple studies have documented under-diagnosis of pertussis in adolescents and adults, but very little data is available regarding physician knowledge of pertussis. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended booster vaccination for all adolescents and adults through 64 years of age against pertussis since 2006. Despite the recommendations, vaccination coverage with the Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced dose diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccine among adolescents 13–17 years was 40.8% compared with 72.2% for Td vaccine in 2008. This survey of physicians from McHenry and Kane counties in Illinois administered from July 2002 to February 2003 and from July 2003 to February 2004 respectively, demonstrated significant gaps in pertussis knowledge and that physicians reported a minority of suspected pertussis cases to the health department. Review of board preparation materials available during this same period of time-demonstrated gaps in pertussis coverage. Baseline and follow-up data quantifying physician knowledge may help target education and determine associations with pertussis vaccination and reporting.

Keywords

Pertussis - physician knowledge - attitudes - practices - vaccine-preventable diseases