A Q Method Approach to Evaluating Farmers’ Perceptions of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination in Vietnam

Abstract

This study aims to explore the farmers’ perceptions of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination using a reflexive research method called Q methodology. A structured sample was composed of 46 farmers selected according to gender, farming experience, level of education, and production type. Statements relevant to the farmers’ perceptions of and attitudes toward FMD vaccination, related to confidence, logistics, costs, and impacts of vaccination were developed. Results were analyzed by principal component analysis and factor analysis. The influence of demographics and characterized variables on the respondent’s contribution to each factor was also tested. Regarding the different beliefs and behavior toward FMD vaccination, the common perceptions held by Vietnamese cattle and pig farmers were divided into three discourses named Confidence (24 subjects), Belief (12 subjects), and Challenge (6 subjects). The identified discourses represented 57.3% of the variances. Consensus points were found, such as the feeling of being more secure after FMD vaccination campaigns; the fact that farmers take vaccination decisions themselves without being influenced by other stakeholders; the opinion that FMD vaccination is cheaper than the costs of treating a sick animal; and that vaccines provided by governmental authorities are of high quality. Part of the studied population did not consider vaccination to be the first choice strategy in prevention. This raises the question of how to improve the active participation of farmers in the FMD vaccine strategy. Taking into consideration farmers’ perceptions can help to implement feasible vaccination strategies at the local level.

Benefit–Cost Analysis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination at the Farm-Level in South Vietnam

“…During the survey we conducted, some farmers reported they refused to use vaccines because of their potential adverse effect on cattle such as increased risk of abortion, growth delay, and change in behavior (increased aggressiveness). Those side effects are mainly due to adverse vaccination administration practices, which are mentioned in another study ( 29 ).…”

“…Farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of vaccination strongly affects their willingness to implement it ( 29 ). Education campaigns that aim at maintaining or enhance farmers’ awareness of the benefits of FMD vaccination should be organized by veterinary authorities before each vaccination campaign (before April or September each year).…”

“…The general survey aimed to collect farm production and farm management and was conducted in eight districts of two provinces as mentioned above. The second survey named financial impact survey was done in only two districts of Long An province in the framework of another study implemented in the same period (( 15 ), submitted manuscripts).…”

Assessment of Drivers of Antimicrobial Usage in Poultry Farms in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam: A Combined Participatory Epidemiology and Q-Sorting Approach

“…This process included: screening, summarizing the data, creating statements, and modifying statements in line with research team's opinions. The Q-sorting interview process has been described by Truong et al (17). In short, participants were invited to read, score, and allocate statements into a quasi-normal grid of 46 boxes according to their option.…”

“…Q-sorting is a qualitative method used to analyse the subjective perception of individuals in relation to a particular situation or phenomenon. Q-sorting helps identify trends and convergences of opinions (14), and has been used in a wide variety of research areas, such as political subjectivity (14), public health (15, 16), veterinary science (17), and rural sociology (18, 19).…”