Impact of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis on Families
Author Information
Author(s): Mast T Christopher, DeMuro-Mercon Carla, Kelly Claudia M, Floyd Leigh Ellen, Walter Emmanuel B
Primary Institution: Merck Research Laboratories
Hypothesis
What is the emotional, social, and economic impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis on families?
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis on families can help healthcare providers support parents better.
Supporting Evidence
- 63% of stool samples tested positive for rotavirus.
- 92% of rotavirus-positive children had moderate/severe illness.
- Parents reported significant emotional distress due to their child's illness.
- Parents expressed frustration over the lack of specific medication for rotavirus.
Takeaway
When kids get really sick from rotavirus, it makes their families very worried and disrupts their daily lives.
Methodology
Parents and children were enrolled if the child had acute gastroenteritis symptoms, and interviews were conducted with parents of rotavirus-positive children.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data from parents.
Limitations
Not all enrolled children provided stool samples, and only a subset of parents participated in interviews.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 2-36 months; 53% male; parents predominantly female (93%) with a mean age of 29.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0016
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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