Knowledge, attitudes, and information needs regarding norovirus infection among parents of primary school students directly affected by outbreaks: a cross-sectional study in Hangzhou, China
- 1Institute of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Hangzhou Health Supervision Institution)
Abstract
Background: Norovirus outbreaks are prevalent in primary schools; however, few studies have specifically examined the parents directly impacted by these events.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2025 and March 2026. Parents from seven primary schools affected by norovirus outbreaks in Hangzhou, China, were invited to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of norovirus pathogenesis, attitudes toward prevention and control, and information needs.
Results: A total of 322 valid responses were obtained (response rate 82.14%). Among respondents, 83.85% reported awareness of norovirus. The mean knowledge score regarding norovirus pathogenesis was 6.43 ± 1.91 out of 11 (58.45% correct), with only 14.07% attaining a “good” knowledge level (≥9 points). Attitude scores were high, with a rate of 88.22% of the maximum. Multivariable logistic regression identified educational attainment (bachelor’s degree or higher: OR = 6.27, 95% CI: 1.75–52.28), residence type (detached house: OR = 5.76, 95% CI: 1.48–6.18), and active information-seeking (OR = 24.60, 95% CI: 11.28–53.66) as factors independently associated with good knowledge level.
Conclusion: Parents directly affected by norovirus outbreaks demonstrated inadequate knowledge but held positive attitudes. Proactive information-seeking was the strongest predictor of good knowledge. Targeted health education, particularly through WeChat parent groups, is urgently required to bridge knowledge gaps and foster active learning.
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BibTeX
@article{duan2026knowledge,
title = {{Knowledge, attitudes, and information needs regarding norovirus infection among parents of primary school students directly affected by outbreaks: a cross-sectional study in Hangzhou, China}},
author = {Xiaojian Duan and Kai Song and Liangliang Huo and Jiayun Wang and Yi Wang and Xiaobin Ren and Jing Wang},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1896883},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1896883/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Knowledge, attitudes, and information needs regarding norovirus infection among parents of primary school students directly affected by outbreaks: a cross-sectional study in Hangzhou, China
AU - Xiaojian Duan
AU - Kai Song
AU - Liangliang Huo
AU - Jiayun Wang
AU - Yi Wang
AU - Xiaobin Ren
AU - Jing Wang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/14
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1896883
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1896883/full
AB - Background: Norovirus outbreaks are prevalent in primary schools; however, few studies have specifically examined the parents directly impacted by these events. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2025 and March 2026. Parents from seven primary schools affected by norovirus outbreaks in Hangzhou, China, were invited to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of norovirus pathogenesis, attitudes toward prevention and control, and information needs. Results: A total of 322 valid responses were obtained (response rate 82.14%). Among respondents, 83.85% reported awareness of norovirus. The mean knowledge score regarding norovirus pathogenesis was 6.43 ± 1.91 out of 11 (58.45% correct), with only 14.07% attaining a “good” knowledge level (≥9 points). Attitude scores were high, with a rate of 88.22% of the maximum. Multivariable logistic regression identified educational attainment (bachelor’s degree or higher: OR = 6.27, 95% CI: 1.75–52.28), residence type (detached house: OR = 5.76, 95% CI: 1.48–6.18), and active information-seeking (OR = 24.60, 95% CI: 11.28–53.66) as factors independently associated with good knowledge level. Conclusion: Parents directly affected by norovirus outbreaks demonstrated inadequate knowledge but held positive attitudes. Proactive information-seeking was the strongest predictor of good knowledge. Targeted health education, particularly through WeChat parent groups, is urgently required to bridge knowledge gaps and foster active learning.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -