Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Vietnamese Fish Farmers

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Veterinary Medicine
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Antibiotic use in food animals is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Vaccination offers a potential strategy to reduce reliance on antibiotic treatments in aquaculture.
• Limited understanding exists regarding farmers' perspectives on antibiotic and vaccine use in developing countries' aquaculture sectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Vietnamese fish farmers' attitudes and beliefs concerning antibiotic and vaccine usage in Pangasius catfish farming.
• To apply the necessity/concerns framework to understand vaccine hesitancy in this population.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 400 Vietnamese Pangasius catfish farmers.
• The study assessed perceptions of disease, chemical water treatment, antibiotic usage, and fish vaccination.
• The necessity/concerns framework guided the measurement of vaccine hesitancy.

Main Results:

• Despite concerns, 86.5% of farmers reported using antibiotics, with concerns outweighing perceived necessity.
• Farmers generally held positive views on vaccine necessity over concerns, but only 67.6% would commit to future use.
• Factors influencing vaccine adoption included fewer disease problems, perceived benefits outweighing concerns, lower mistrust, and reduced concerns about commercial profiteering.

Conclusions:

• Interventions should emphasize antibiotic use concerns and reduce mistrust to encourage vaccine adoption.
• Increasing vaccine availability and perceived necessity are crucial for overcoming hesitancy among Vietnamese fish farmers.
• Addressing farmers' concerns and enhancing the perceived benefits of vaccines can promote responsible aquaculture practices.