Determinants of stakeholders’ attitudes and intentions toward supporting the use of Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes for dengue control

Abstract

Background A recent approach in controlling dengue is by using the Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquito (WiAM). The approach has been reported to be more effective than traditional methods, such as fogging. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the factors predicting its acceptance among stakeholders before implementing this technology more widely in Malaysia. Methods The survey data were collected from two primary stakeholder groups using a stratified random sampling technique. The two primary stakeholder groups were scientists (n = 202) and the public (n = 197) in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia, a hot spot area known for the high rate of dengue cases. The respondents answered questions on a seven-point Likert scale survey regarding trust in key players, attitudes toward nature versus materialism, religiosity, perceived benefits, perceived risks, attitudes, and intentions. The data were analyzed using Smart Partial Least Square (SmartPLS) software (version 3.2.6) to determine the predictors influencing attitudes and intentions to support the use of WiAM technology. Results The results indicated a strong positive relationship between attitudes and intentions to support the use of WiAM (β = 0.676, p < 0.001). The most important significant predictor for attitudes was perceived benefits (β = 0.493, p < 0.001), followed by perceived risks (β = − 0.080, p = 0.048). Trust in key players, attitudes toward nature versus material, and religiosity had indirect relationships with attitudes through the perceived benefits and risks. Conclusions The identified predictors can serve as indicators for the decision-making process regarding WiAM implementation in Malaysia and other developing countries with similar demographics and cultures.

“To do, or not to do?”: determinants of stakeholders’ acceptance on dengue vaccine using PLS-SEM analysis in Malaysia

“…Therefore, this study supports the studies mentioned above and a follow-up from the study of Arham et al [12,13], who examined stakeholders' acceptance of Outdoor Residual Spraying and Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes' techniques, which indicated that they positively support the approaches. Hence, a study focusing on the stakeholders' acceptance of the dengue vaccine and its predictors is also needed.…”

“…General factors are predictive factors consisting trust in key players, attitudes to technology and religiosity. Previous studies tested all these factors as general factors in determining stakeholders' acceptance of dengue controlling techniques [12][13][14][15][16][17]. These general factors have been observed to play a crucial role in directly and indirectly determining a person's attitude and intention.…”

“…Specific factors, namely perceived benefit and perceived risk are predictive factors. Both of these factors have made clear direct contributions to determine attitude and intention towards dengue controlling techniques in past studies [12][13][14][15][16][17]. These two factors play significant roles by being an essential basis directly related to the formation of attitude and intention in past studies.…”

“To Do, or Not to Do?”: Determinants of Stakeholders’ Acceptance on Dengue Vaccine Using PLS-SEM Analysis between Scientists and Public in Malaysia.

“…These ndings indicate differences between the study of Arham et al (2021b) and Amin and Hashim (2015) [12,18]. Arham et al (2021b) pointed out that perceived bene t and risk in uenced acceptance towards Wolbachia techniques [18]. In contrast, Amin and Hashim (2015) showed that perceived bene t and trust in key players were the factors in uencing stakeholders' attitudes towards genetically modi ed mosquito techniques in an effort to control dengue [12].…”

“…Attitude is an important factor in in uencing intention whether they express likes or dislikes and support or reject anything [63]. Arham et al (2021b) showed that attitude was the most important factor in expressing support for the use of Wolbachia techniques to control dengue [18]. Besides, perceived bene t also plays a role in determining intention.…”