Recall bias, MMR, and autism

Arch Dis Child. 2002 Dec;87(6):493-4. doi: 10.1136/adc.87.6.493.

Abstract

Parents of autistic children with regressive symptoms who were diagnosed after the publicity alleging a link with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine tended to recall the onset as shortly after MMR more often than parents of similar children who were diagnosed prior to the publicity. This is consistent with the recall bias expected under such circumstances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health
  • Autistic Disorder / chemically induced*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Bias
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunization / adverse effects
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Mental Recall*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Publications
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine