Evaluation of Knowledge Level and Attitudes Toward Pertussis Disease and Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers

Introduction: Pertussis is a droplet-transmitted infectious disease that can occur at any age, although it is associated with high mortality and morbidity during infancy. The main risk groups include infants, children, individuals with chronic diseases, and immunosuppressed patients; healthcare workers are also among the groups at risk. Nosocomial pertussis outbreaks have been reported in many countries, and healthcare workers have a high likelihood of exposure to Bordetella pertussis strains. However, in our country, data evaluating healthcare workers' knowledge of pertussis infection and vaccination, as well as their attitudes toward them, are limited. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pertussis and its vaccine. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among healthcare workers in T & uuml;rkiye between 15 November and 15 December 2025. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to participants aged 18 years and older. The questionnaire consisted of items evaluating sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about pertussis, attitudes toward pertussis and pertussis vaccination, vaccination behavior, vaccination recommendation, and institutional-level informational practices. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The online questionnaire form was distributed via various platforms and mailing groups with the support of the EKMUD Adult Immunization Working Group. Results: A total of 512 participants were included in the analysis. Of the participants, 33.8% were male and 65.2% were female, while five individuals (1%) did not report their gender. The mean age was 35.3 +/- 11.8 years. Regarding professional distribution, 343 participants (67%) were physicians, 51 (10%) were nurses/midwives, 105 (20.5%) were medical students, and 13 (2.5%) belonged to other healthcare professions. The median duration of professional experience was 10 years (interquartile range= 4-21 years). Knowledge that pertussis is transmitted via droplets and typically presents with prolonged cough was correctly identified at high rates. However, the question regarding whether a vaccinated individual could transmit pertussis had the lowest correct response rate (42.2%). Conclusion: Although healthcare workers' knowledge levels regarding pertussis appear to be adequate, their risk perception and protective vaccination behaviors are insufficient. Our findings indicate that the discrepancy between knowledge and behavior regarding pertussis persists and highlight the need for targeted educational programs and strengthened institutional vaccination policies in this field.