Attitudes and acceptance of vaccination against neglected tropical diseases: A multi-country study in Asia.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the willingness of individuals to be vaccinated against NTDs in Asian countries and China. Between June and December 2023, an anonymous cross-sectional survey was carried out in five Asian countries alongside China. Overall, 48.4% indicated being somewhat willing and 29.2% expressing extreme willingness to receive NTDs vaccination. High attitude scores (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.35-1.75) was associated with higher willingness to be vaccinated against NTDs. The odds of accepting the NTDs vaccine increased among individuals without occupational exposure to NTDs (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.27-1.68). Those residing in very clean environments exhibited heightened odds of willingness (aOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 2.10-4.11), whereas individuals in somewhat dirty environments demonstrated reduced odds of willingness (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56-0.98) compared to the baseline group (very dirty local environment). Moreover, a higher score in sanitation facilities also correlated with increased odds of willingness to receive the NTDs vaccine (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.21-1.64). The study highlighted key strategies for improving NTDs vaccine uptake in Asian countries, including China, such as fostering positive attitudes toward the vaccine and enhancing perception of infection risks.