Addressing Gaps in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Thailand for Integrating Vaccines into a Comprehensive...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Dengue poses a significant health threat in Thailand, with over 160,000 cases in 2023.
• Limited uptake of approved dengue vaccines necessitates understanding behavioral drivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) regarding dengue.
• To identify behavioral drivers of dengue vaccine willingness using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) framework.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional online survey of 600 Thai adults (aged 20-60) in September 2024.
• Utilized a questionnaire adapted from the GEMKAP study to generate KAP and COM-B scores.
• Multivariable regression analyzed predictors of vaccine willingness (0-10 Juster scale).

Main Results:

• Moderate dengue knowledge (51%) and low prevention practices (40%) were observed.
• 68% of respondents showed high willingness to vaccinate, linked to Reflective Motivation and Physical Opportunity.
• Key barriers to vaccination included concerns about side effects (29%) and cost (13%).

Conclusions:

• Favorable attitudes exist, but vaccine uptake is hampered by safety, cost, and awareness gaps.
• Enhancing physician communication and integrating vaccines into schools, workplaces, and primary care are crucial.
• Sustainable national dengue vaccine coverage requires a multi-faceted approach including education and vector control.