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König A, Sappayabanphot J, Liang L, Fleßa S, Winkler V. The impact of the health microinsurance M-FUND on the utilization of health services among migrant workers and their dependents in Thailand: A case-control study. J Migr Health 2024; 9:100236. [PMID: 38799076 PMCID: PMC11127229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Even though Thailand has launched multiple migrant health policies, migrants still face various barriers in accessing health care. To some extent, these barriers may be reduced by health microinsurance. The M-FUND is a low-cost, not-for-profit health protection scheme for migrant workers in Thailand, created by Dreamlopments Social Enterprise and Foundation to support sustainable access to quality healthcare services for migrants. We aimed to investigate the impact of the M-FUND on utilization of health services. Methods Over a period of three months, we conducted quantitative face-to-face interviews with 408 M-FUND members, and 452 age, sex and location matched non-member controls in Tak Province, Thailand. We compared utilization of health services between members and non-members using logistic regression controlling for a number of socio-demographic variables and variables related to migration such as years in Thailand, legal status, etc. Findings M-FUND members were more likely to have utilized outpatient services (adjusted odds ratio: 1·74, 95 % confidence interval: 1·24-2·44), inpatient services (2·96, 1.11-7·92), and emergency care (1·89, 0·78-4·56), although the latter was not statistically significant. Members were more likely not to have purchased medicines over-the-counter (1·67, 1·22-2·27) than non-members. Members were also more likely to have utilized any additional specific service during a consultation (2·31, 1·49-3·58) including any type of imaging method (2·62, 1·29-5·29) and blood tests (1·64, 0·99-2·71). There were some differences between men and women, but most were not statistically significant. Interpretation The M-FUND health microinsurance was positively associated with the utilization of all major types of health services among migrant workers and their dependents in Thailand. For migrants, particularly vulnerable migrant workers and their dependents, the M-FUND appears to be a good approach to reducing barriers to health care. This study of the impact of health microinsurance for migrants provides important information for policy and program planners in the field of migrant health. However, more research is needed on health microinsurance schemes for migrants in different settings and for other underserved communities as well as the sex-specific impact on health service utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea König
- Epidemiology of Transition, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | | | - Li Liang
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Steffen Fleßa
- Faculty of Law and Economics, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Volker Winkler
- Epidemiology of Transition, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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Tahir MJ, Zaman M, Saffi J, Asghar MS, Tariq W, Ahmed F, Islam R, Farooqui US, Ullah I, Saqlain M, Ullah K, Ahmed A. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population of Pakistan regarding typhoid conjugate vaccine: findings of a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1151936. [PMID: 37333546 PMCID: PMC10272827 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Typhoid fever, a common enteric disease in Pakistan, caused by Salmonella typhi, is becoming an extended drug-resistant organism and is preventable through the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV). Public adherence to preventive measures is influenced by knowledge and attitude toward the vaccine. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population of Pakistan toward TCV. The differences in mean scores and factors associated with typhoid conjugate vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and practices were investigated. A total of 918 responses were received with a mean age of 25.9 ± 9.6, 51% were women, and 59.6% had graduation-level education. The majority of them responded that vaccines prevent illness (85.3%) and decrease mortality and disability (92.6%), and typhoid could be prevented by vaccination (86.7%). In total, 77.7 and 80.8% considered TCV safe and effective, respectively. Of 389 participants with children, 53.47% had vaccinated children, according to the extended program on immunization (EPI). Higher family income has a higher odds ratio (OR) for willingness toward booster dose of TCV [crude odds ratio (COR) = 4.920, p-value <0.01; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.853, value of p <0.001], and negative attitude regarding the protective effect of TCV has less willingness toward the booster dose with statistical significance (COR = 0.388, value of p = 0.017; aOR = 0.198, value of p = 0.011). The general population of Pakistan had a good level of knowledge about the benefits of TCV, and attitude and practices are in favor of the usage of TCV. However, a few religious misconceptions are prevalent in public requiring the efforts to overcome them to promote the usage of vaccines to prevent the disease and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Musharaf Zaman
- Department of Anesthesia, Pakistan Red Crescent Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Saffi
- Department of Medicine, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sohaib Asghar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences-Ojha Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Waleed Tariq
- Department of Medicine, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faizan Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Islam
- Department of Medicine, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Irfan Ullah
- Department of Medicine, Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saqlain
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kaleem Ullah
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Transplant, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat, Pakistan
| | - Ali Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Gilder ME, Pateekhum C, Hashmi A, Aramrat C, Aung KK, Miket W, Chu CS, Win D, Bierhoff M, Wiwattanacharoen W, Jiraporncharoen W, Angkurawaranon C, McGready R. Who is protected? Determinants of hepatitis B infant vaccination completion among a prospective cohort of migrant workers in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:190. [PMID: 36585709 PMCID: PMC9803398 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01802-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B causes significant disease and death globally, despite the availability of effective vaccination. Migration likewise affects hundreds of millions of people annually, many of whom are women and children, and increases risks for poor vaccine completion and mother to child transmission of hepatitis B. In the neighbouring countries of Thailand and Myanmar, vaccine campaigns have made progress but little is known about the reach of these programs into migrant worker communities from Myanmar living in Thailand. METHODS A cohort of 253 postpartum women (53 urban migrants in Chiang Mai and 200 rural migrants in Tak Province) were surveyed about their Hepatitis B knowledge and willingness to vaccinate their children between September 10, 2019 and March 30, 2019. They were subsequently followed to determine vaccine completion. When records of vaccination were unavailable at the birth facility, or visits were late, families were contacted and interviewed about vaccination elsewhere, and reasons for late or missed vaccines. RESULTS Though women in Tak province displayed better knowledge of Hepatitis B and equal intention to vaccinate, they were 14 times less likely to complete Hepatitis B vaccination for their children compared to migrants in Chiang Mai. Tak women were largely undocumented, had private (non-profit) insurance and had more transient residence. In Chiang Mai migrant women were mostly documented and had full access to the Thai national health services. Though minor individual and facility-level differences may have contributed, the major driver of the disparity seems to be the place of migrants within local socio-political-economic systems. The COVID-19 pandemic further disproportionately affected Tak province migrants who faced severe travel restrictions hampering vaccination. Sixty percent of families who were lost to vaccine follow-up in Tak province could not be contacted by phone or home visit. Chiang Mai migrants, with 86.8% vaccine completion, nearly reached the target of 90%. CONCLUSIONS Achievement of high levels of hepatitis B vaccination in migrant communities is important and feasible, and requires inclusive policies that integrate migrants into national health and social services. This is more urgent than ever during the COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellen Gilder
- grid.7132.70000 0000 9039 7662Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Chanapat Pateekhum
- grid.7132.70000 0000 9039 7662Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Ahmar Hashmi
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Institute for Implementation Science, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, USA ,grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, USA
| | - Chanchanok Aramrat
- grid.7132.70000 0000 9039 7662Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Ko Ko Aung
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Wimon Miket
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Cindy S. Chu
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - December Win
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Marieke Bierhoff
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | | | - Wichuda Jiraporncharoen
- grid.7132.70000 0000 9039 7662Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Chaisiri Angkurawaranon
- grid.7132.70000 0000 9039 7662Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Rose McGready
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Al Janabi T, Petrillo G, Chung S, Pino M. Predictors of Vaccine Uptake among Migrants in the United States: A Rapid Systematic Review. EPIDEMIOLOGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:465-481. [PMID: 36547256 PMCID: PMC9777676 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Evaluating challenges to vaccine uptake in non-US-born individuals is necessary for increasing national vaccination rates. This rapid review was conducted to investigate predictors of vaccine utilization among US migrants. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was utilized, along with the Rayyan webtool, to facilitate the process of identifying primary research articles. Data were independently extracted by using a piloted, customized form. This was tabulated and the results were reported. Of the 186 abstracts reviewed, nine articles were included. Populations included in this review were refugees (n = 1), undocumented migrants (n = 1), migrants crossing the US-Mexico border (n = 2), Blacks (n = 1), and US-born vs. non-US-born adults (n = 1). Three studies focused on "foreign-born" children. The vaccines included in the literature reviewed were both combined series and individual, with one study addressing immunization instead of specific vaccines. Detailed characteristics of these studies and their quality evaluations were also reported. This review identified gaps in research regarding immunization among different migrant groups. Multilevel interventions should be considered to leverage the existing facilitators and address the known modifiable barriers to creating an accessible and supportive environment for marginalized populations.
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Khattak S, Idrees M, Iqbal HI, Khan M, Assad N, Khan MN, Yousaf MT, Farooq M, Yang CY, Wu DD, Ji XY. Assessment of Attitudes and Intentions towards COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Factors among General Populations of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1583. [PMID: 36298447 PMCID: PMC9609017 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of public health in combatting COVID-19 is to increase herd immunity. However, vaccine reluctance makes attaining herd immunity a worldwide challenge. This investigation aimed to identify negative and positive attitudes and intentions about COVID-19 vaccinations. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted once free COVID-19 vaccines became available in Pakistan in 2021. 4392 Pakistanis aged 18 and older were surveyed from seven administrative units between 1 July and 30 August 2021. Online structured questionnaires were utilized to collect data using a simple sampling procedure. The questionnaires were divided into three major sections: sociodemographic, health factors, and attitudes toward COVID-19. RESULTS The survey link was shared with approximately 4500 participants. 97.6%(4392) completed the survey once begun. Frequency, percentage and Chi-square tests were used to analyze statistical data. Most of the participants in the research were men (2703 (61.54%)), 3277 (74.61%) were aged 18-29 years, and 1824 (41.53%) were residents of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (18.69%) Respondents expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, whereas 36.66% of participants liked getting the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines and (35.84%) of participants preferred the Pfizer vaccine. A significant number of participants (38.05%) were concerned about the vaccine's unexpected side effects Thus, it is essential to realize that many participants were concerned about the vaccine's unexpected side effects. CONCLUSIONS The overall high level of concern about the unforeseen side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as widespread vaccine hesitancy among Pakistani populations and its predictors, should be taken into account if public health intervention campaigns in Pakistan are changing negative attitudes and improving compliance with regard to COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadullah Khattak
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Primary and Secondary Health Care Department, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Hafiza Iqra Iqbal
- Primary and Secondary Health Care Department, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Maqbool Khan
- Sino-Pak Center for Artificial Intelligence, Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Haripur 22620, Pakistan
| | - Nasir Assad
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naeem Khan
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Muhammad Tufail Yousaf
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29111, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Department of Microbiology, University of Swabi, Swabi 23430, Pakistan
| | - Chang-Yong Yang
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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Moonpanane K, Pitchalard K, Thepsaw J, Singkhorn O, Potjanamart C. Healthcare service utilization of hill tribe children in underserved communities in thailand: Barriers to access. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1114. [PMID: 36050759 PMCID: PMC9438234 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hill tribe children, an ethnic minority group in Thailand, experience wide-ranging social and health inequalities. Previous reports indicate that hill tribe children, especially age under 5 years, face social health disadvantages but little is known about the underlying causes. Exploring healthcare utilization among hill tribe children is therefore essential and it may well provide some insight. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling techniques to recruit participants based on our criteria. In-depth interviews and focus-group discussions were employed to explore the experiences of parents (n = 20), community leaders (n = 20), and healthcare providers (n = 20) when caring for children aged under 5 years. Interview transcripts were coded, and thematic analysis was then performed. RESULTS The participants shared their experiences with accessing healthcare services in underserved areas. Barriers to access was the central theme identified. Sub-themes included: (1) distance matters, (2) education and socioeconomic deprivation, (3) lack of cultural sensitivity, (4) communication problems, (5) tradition, beliefs, and differences in cultural practice, (6) lack of child health professionals, and (7) bureaucratic hurdles. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare services and environments must be transformed to provide healthcare services, education, and information appropriate to the cultures and beliefs prevalent in the hill tribe population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jintana Thepsaw
- School of Nursing, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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A Systematic Scoping Review on Migrant Health Coverage in Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7080166. [PMID: 36006258 PMCID: PMC9415742 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Thailand is a major migrant receiving country and pioneer of migrant health policy in the ASEAN region. However, on the ground, coverage of migrants is faced with multiple barriers. (2) Objectives: We aim to scope and analyse the types of available evidence on migrant health coverage in Thailand and identify knowledge gaps. Specifically, we characterise the literature along year of publication, migrant subpopulation, health domain, scope of coverage, methods, study design, objectives and results. (3) Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database, Worldwide Science and the Asian Citation Index for peer-reviewed and grey literature in October 2021 for studies analysing original data on health coverage of migrants in Thailand. To conceptualise health coverage, we used the three dimensions availability, accessibility and acceptability. (4) Results: 101 articles were included in the final analysis. Sixty-three were published after 2016, 39 focused on migrant workers and 18 on migrants in general. Forty-two concentrated on health in broader terms, followed by reproductive and maternal health (n = 31). Thirty-eight assessed coverage of specific services and 36 health coverage in general. Migrants themselves and key informants were the main data sources in 80 and 43 of the articles, respectively. Forty publications were qualitative, while 38 applied quantitative methods (22% descriptive; 7% analytical). Among the health coverage components, 79 articles included aspects of accessibility, followed by acceptability (n = 59) and availability (n = 30). (5) Conclusions: While there is a high number and broad range of studies on migrant health coverage in Thailand, we found that research on migrant subgroups, such as victims of trafficking and migrant children, as well as on the health domains, non-communicable diseases and occupational and mental health is neglected.
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Vaccine serocoverage under the expanded program on immunization among hill tribe children in Thailand: A cross-sectional study. Vaccine 2021; 39:6477-6484. [PMID: 34607747 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanded programs on immunization (EPIs) are country-specific vaccine programs designed and implemented to prevent childhood diseases globally, including in Thailand. Hill tribe children in Thailand live in remote areas with underdeveloped education systems and low economic status. This study aimed to assess serocoverage under the EPI and access to vaccination clinics. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed to assess serocoverage after childhood vaccination among hill tribe children who lived in 34 selected villages in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. A validated questionnaire was administered, and 3-mL blood specimens were collected. Antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), measles, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and tetanus were detected. Chi-square tests were performed to detect the different proportion of patients with antibodies with different characteristics. RESULTS Half of the hill tribe children aged 1-18 years did not have medical evidence (logbook) of immunization. More than 98.0% of the children who had medical evidence received the recommended immunizations. Only half of the children had anti-HBs (51.1%), and 22.3% had antibodies against JEV. The majority were found to be positive for antibodies against measles (83.3%) and tetanus (91.4%). Sex (p-value = 0.028), tribe (p-value < 0.001), age (p-value < 0.001), and parents' monthly income (p-value = 0.008) were associated with a lack of medical evidence. CONCLUSIONS Existing immunization programs for hill tribe children in Thailand should be urgently evaluated and monitored for effectiveness.
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Tahir MJ, Saqlain M, Tariq W, Waheed S, Tan SHS, Nasir SI, Ullah I, Ahmed A. Population preferences and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination: a cross-sectional study from Pakistan. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1759. [PMID: 34565351 PMCID: PMC8474768 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While vaccine development is itself a challenge; ensuring optimal vaccine uptake at population level can present an even more significant challenge. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Pakistani population's attitude and preferences towards the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. METHOD A cross-sectional study was carried out through an online self-administered questionnaire from 27 September 2020 to 11 October 2020. A total of 883 people responded to the survey. The questionnaire included the participants' socio-demographic variables, attitudes, beliefs towards the COVID-19 vaccine and acceptance and rejection of vaccination, and reasons for them. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the predictors for vaccine acceptance and willingness to pay for the vaccine. RESULTS A majority (70.8%) of respondents will accept the COVID-19vaccine if available, and 66.8% showed a positive attitude towards vaccination. Monthly family income, education level, self-diagnosis of COVID-19 or a friend, family member, or colleague are significant factors influencing the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. The dogma of being naturally immune to COVID-19 was a key reason for the refusal of the vaccine. Less than half (48%) of those who refuse will vaccinate themselves if government officials have made it compulsory. A third (33.9%) of participants were willing to pay up to (7 USD) 1000 Pkr (Pakistani Rupees) for the vaccine. CONCLUSION The population's positive attitude should be improved by increasing awareness and eradicating false myths about vaccines through large-scale campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Junaid Tahir
- Ameer-ud-Din Medical College Affiliated with University of Health Sciences, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
- Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saqlain
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
| | - Waleed Tariq
- Ameer-ud-Din Medical College Affiliated with University of Health Sciences, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
- Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, 54000 Pakistan
| | - Summaiya Waheed
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ali Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
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