Introduction:

In 2025, Paraguay implemented a monoclonal antibody for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants born between January 1 and July 31.

Objectives:

To conduct and analyze the first survey in the country on mothers' knowledge and attitudes regarding RSV and its prevention.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study using a KAP-type survey administered to mothers after obtaining informed consent. The questionnaire (Google Forms) was administered by trained interviewers between April and June and included multiple-choice questions about RSV knowledge, its consequences, sources of information, risk perception, and knowledge and attitudes regarding nirsevimab. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee.

Results:

307 mothers were surveyed in health facilities: 56% (173) in the Central Department, 26% (79) in Asunción, and 18% (55) in other departments. Of these, 56% (173) were mothers of children ≤3 months old; 23.8% (73) were postpartum; and 19.9% (61) were pregnant. A low level of knowledge about RSV was identified: 23.5% had never heard of RSV, and only 21.8% recognized it as a cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI). The main risk factors perceived were prematurity (76.2%), chronic lung diseases (67.7%), cardiovascular diseases (63.8%), and low birth weight (61.6%). 39.1% had heard of bronchiolitis. The majority were unaware of the monoclonal antibody and the national immunization campaign (78.5% and 77.5%, respectively). Among those who were aware of the campaign, the main source of information was healthcare personnel, followed by television, social media, and other media. More than 80% did not know the target population, its protective capacity, or the number of doses required. Regarding vaccination, more than half did not know if their child had received it, although 86.6% expressed willingness to authorize it.

Conclusions:

The majority of mothers surveyed were unaware of RSV and the prevention strategy implemented by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPyBS). They recognized risk factors such as prematurity and chronic illnesses, although only half perceived their children as being at risk of becoming ill or developing severe forms of the disease. Knowledge about the monoclonal antibody was limited, but those who were aware of it learned about it primarily from healthcare personnel. Despite these gaps, the majority expressed willingness for their children to receive Nirsevimab.

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