Knowledge, experience, and willingness to vaccinate against intestinal parasitic infections: A multi-country study in Asia

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health challenge and a neglected disease in many parts of Asia, contributing to morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations. Despite the potential of vaccines to reduce the burden of these neglected IPIs, little is known about the public's willingness to be vaccinated against these infections.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the general population's knowledge, symptom experiences, and willingness to vaccinate against IPIs across six countries: Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, and China.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between June and December 2023 across six countries in Asia region. Participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire that assessed demographic information, knowledge of IPIs, symptom experiences, and willingness to receive a vaccine against IPIs for themselves and their children. Univariate and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to determine the factors related to vaccination the willingness.

Results

A total of 5470 complete responses were received. The highest proportion of individuals willing to receive the vaccine was in India (86.1 %), followed by China (80.8 %) and Pakistan (75 %), with Vietnam having the lowest proportion at 50.1 %. For child vaccination, China had the highest willingness (83.3 %). A higher knowledge score was significantly associated with increased willingness to be vaccinated [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 1.91, 95 % CI: 1.70–2.15]. Additionally, a higher symptom experience score was significantly associated with greater vaccination willingness (aOR=1.71, 95 % CI: 1.50–1.94). Females residing in urban-suburban areas showed significantly higher vaccination intentions. The willingness to vaccinate children against IPIs closely mirrored the trends observed in self-vaccination willingness, with knowledge being the only factor significantly associated with the willingness to vaccinate children.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of enhancing educational efforts regarding neglected IPIs and vaccination, particularly when vaccines are available and recommended.