Physicians' Intentions to Recommend Influenza Vaccine: A Multi-Centered Hospital-Based Study Using the Theory of Planned Behavior in Bangladesh.

Background: Influenza remains a significant public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Bangladesh, where vaccine uptake remains low despite the substantial disease burden. Physicians play a vital role in promoting vaccination, yet their intentions and influencing factors are not well understood.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from June to October 2022 across four tertiary-level hospitals in Bangladesh using a questionnaire grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Hierarchical logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with vaccine recommendation intentions.

Results: Among 972 physicians with an average age of 32.1 years, 40.1% intended to recommend and administer the influenza vaccine. Most (85.3%) agreed vaccination reduces risk, 65.5% desired vaccination for self-protection, 63.5% would vaccinate if available at work, and 85.3% anticipated Ministry of Health support. Male (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.3) and married (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9) physicians were more likely to recommend vaccination. Each unit increase in attitude score doubled the likelihood of recommending the vaccine (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-3.0).

Conclusions: Physicians' influenza vaccine recommendations in Bangladesh are suboptimal, influenced by gender, marital status, and attitudes. Targeted educational interventions addressing attitudinal barriers and leveraging institutional support could improve recommendation practices.