In December 2000, the parents of each
child younger than 13 years of age received a questionnaire,
enquiring about the occurrence of a possible
measles infection in 1999 or 2000. In case of a possibly
positive diagnosis, detailed symptoms of measles virus
infection were obtained and data about GP consultation.
Vaccination status and self-reported complications
were obtained, to identify determinants of GP
consultation. Statements about perceived seriousness
of this illness episode (11 items) and parents’ views on
respiratory tract infections (the need to consult a GP:
three items; perceived self-limiting character: three
items) were rated on a five-point scale (1: strongly
disagree; 5: strongly agree) [13–16]. After 4 weeks a
reminder was sent. A random sample (n 42, 10%)
of nonresponders were interviewed by telephone in a
semistructured way, for motives of nonresponse.