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Background: Assessing the acceptance of vaccinations among vulnerable populations is essential to ensure proper coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control. This study used the Health Belief Model to examine the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 among vulnerable populations in Thailand. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Thailand between October and November 2021. Using multistage random sampling, 945 individuals from vulnerable populations (i.e., older adults, pregnant women, market or street vendors, and individuals with chronic diseases) were selected and invited to complete a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed participants’ socioeconomic characteristics, COVID-19 preventive measures, knowledge, preventative health beliefs, and vaccine intention. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify factors associated with the intention to receive the vaccine. Results: The prevalence of intent to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was 75.03% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.16–77.68). The Health Belief Model factors associated with vaccine acceptance were cue to action (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.13; 95% CI: 2.07–4.71), perceived benefits (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.38–3.01), and perceived severity (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.18–2.65). Significant other covariates were wearing a face mask in the previous month (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.59–4.31), being 1–2 m away from other people (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.11–2.24), trust in government (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.03–2.02). Additionally, women were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine compared to men (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02–2.01). Conclusions: Approximately one quarter of vulnerable individuals do not intend to be vaccinated. Health Belief Models can explain vaccine acceptance, and aid the Ministry of Public Health in planning future efforts to increase vaccine uptake. Healthcare professionals' advice, village health volunteers’ information, and partnership collaborations are critical. Facilitating mobile community units, launching educational campaigns, maintaining a distance of 1–2 m from others, and wearing masks may increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptability. This research can help prepare for future pandemics.

Abstract Background Mass drug administration (MDA) with primaquine (PQ) is being considered for accelerating Plasmodium vivax elimination in remaining active foci. This study aimed to determine the acceptability of MDA with PQ in malaria endemic villages in a malarious setting in the South of Thailand undergoing MDA with PQ. Methods A cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was conducted in seven malaria endemic villages where MDA with PQ was implemented. The data were collected from community villagers and health workers using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used for quantitative data analysis. Thematic analysis was applied for qualitative data. Results Among a total of 469 participants from the MDA villages, 293 participants were eligible for MDA with PQ and 79.86% (234) completed 14-days of PQ. The logistic regressions indicated that males (adjusted odds ratio: 2.52 [95% confidence interval: 1.33–4.81]) and those who are farmers (2.57 [1.12–5.90]) were most likely to participate in the MDA. Among 293 participants in the post-MDA study, 74.06% had originally agreed to participate in the MDA with PQ while 25.94% had originally reported not wanting to participate in the MDA. Of those who originally reported being willing to participate in the MDA, 71.23% followed through with participation in the first or second round. Conversely, 93.24% of those who originally reported not being willing to participate in the MDA did in fact participate in the MDA. Factors contributing to higher odds of agreeing to participate and following through with participation included being male (1.98 [1.06–3.69]) and correctly responding that malaria is preventable (2.32 [1.01–5.35]) with some differences by village. Five key themes emerged from the qualitative analyses: concern about side effects from taking PQ; disbelief that malaria could be eliminated in this setting; low overall concern about malaria infections; misunderstandings about malaria; and a general need to tailor public health efforts for this unique context. Conclusion While the reported likelihood of participating in MDA was high in this setting, actual follow-through was relatively moderate, partially because of eligibility (roughly 71% of those in the follow-up survey who originally agreed to participate actually followed through with participation). One of the largest concerns among study participants was PQ-related side effects—and these concerns likely heavily influenced participant adherence to the MDA. The results of this study can be used to tailor future MDAs, or other public health interventions, in this and potentially other similar settings.

Background: Risk assessment criteria for predicting dengue outbreak must be appropriated at village levels. We aimed to develop risk dengue village prediction criteria, predict village dengue risk, and strengthen dengue prevention based on community participation. Methods: This participatory research conducted in Southern Thailand included the following 5 phases: (i) preparing communities in 3 districts; (ii) developing risk dengue village prediction criteria; (iii) applying computer program; (iv) predicting village dengue risk with 75 public health providers in 39 PCUs; and (v) utilizing findings to strengthen dengue prevention activities in 220 villages. Data collecting for prediction used secondary data from primary care units in the past 5 year and current year. Descriptive statistics used calculating criteria and comparing with standard level to adjust score of risk. Results: Risk dengue village assessment criteria had 2 aspects: dengue severity (3 factors) and dengue outbreak opportunity (3 factors). Total scores were 33 points and cut-off of 17 points for high and low dengue risks villages. All criteria were applied using computer program ( http://surat.denguelim.com ). Risk prediction involved stakeholder participation in 220 villages, and used for strengthening dengue prevention activities. The concept of integrated vector management included larval indices surveillance system, garbage management, larval indices level lower than the standard, community capacity activities for dengue prevention, and school-based dengue prevention. The risk prediction criteria and process mobilized villages for dengue prevention activities to decrease morbidity rate. Conclusion: Dengue risk assessment criteria were appropriated within the village, with its smallest unit, the household, included. The data can be utilized at village levels for evaluating dengue outbreak risks.