Knowledge, attitudes, practices and vaccine acceptance towards seasonal influenza vaccination among international travelers: a cross-sectional survey in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Influenza is a common but preventable disease. International travelers encounter significant risks in contracting influenza. Methods: The cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on international travelers while visiting the Thai Travel Clinic at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Bangkok, Thailand. Results: From May to November 2024, 250 Thai and 229 non-Thai international travelers were enrolled. Most participants reported sufficient knowledge about influenza, with 86.4 % achieving a score of ≥60 % while expressing mild concern of infection [mean perceived risk score of 3.1 ± 2.4 (range from 0 to 10)]. When regarding preventive measures, 72.2 % reported regular hand hygiene, while only 19.4 % regularly wore masks in public. Influenza vaccine acceptance was 38.2 %. The most influential reason for vaccination was healthcare personnel's advice. In the multivariable analysis, the independent factors which affected vaccine acceptance were travelers' nationality, age, purpose of travel, destination country, and perceived risk score. Conclusion: International travelers had sufficient influenza knowledge but low awareness relating to influenza prevention methods and influenza vaccinations. Low vaccine acceptance rates were observed among international travelers. Travel consultations should focus on influenza awareness while traveling and associated preventative measures.