The health belief model and factors relating to potential use of a vaccine for shigellosis in Kaeng Koi district, Saraburi province, Thailand
Butraporn, P.; Pach, A.; Pack, R.P.; Masngarmmeung, R.; Maton, T.; Sri-aroon, P.; Nyamete, A.; Chaicumpa, W.
Journal of Health Population and Nutrition 22(2): 170-181
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1606-0997 PMID: 15473520 Document Number: 583755
Shigellosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Approximately 1.1 million deaths occur a year due to this disease, making it the 4th leading cause of mortality worldwide. A study was conducted to explore local interest in and the potential use of a vaccine for shigellosis in Thailand where Shigella poses an important public health concern. Data were collected between June and November 2002 from 522 participants surveyed using a socio-behavioural questionnaire in Kaeng Koi district in central Thailand. The community demand and likely use of a vaccine were examined in relation to the health belief model, which provides analytical constructs for investigating the multiple issues of local readiness to accept and access a new vaccine. As the key outcome variable, most respondents showed interest in receiving a vaccine against dysentery which they thought would provide useful protection against the disease. However, there was only a moderate number who perceived dysentery as serious and themselves as susceptible to it, although it was perceived to cause some burden to and additional expense for families. Most people identified a number of groups who were thought to be especially vulnerable to dysentery, such as the elderly, preschool and school children, and poor labourers. Other outcomes of the study included the identification of acceptable and convenient sites for its delivery, such as government health clinics and private clinics, and respected sources for information about the vaccine, such as health clinic personnel and community health volunteers. This information suggests that components of the health belief model may be useful in identifying community acceptance of a vaccine and the means of introducing it. This health information is important for planning and implementing vaccine programmes.