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

Background: Dengue vaccine is the best potential alternative for protecting communities and cities from dengue. Nevertheless, the dengue vaccine’s acceptance must be considered a guide for authorities to continue intensified research and, eventually, execute dengue vaccine injections to improve public health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between the predictor factors that influence stakeholders’ attitude and intention towards the dengue vaccine. Methods: : Survey data collected from 399 respondents which represent two primary stakeholder groups: scientist ( n = 202) and public ( n = 197) were analysed by producing a Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) model using Smart Partial Least Square (Smart-PLS) software. Results: : The findings indicated a strong positive relationship between attitudes and intentions to support the dengue vaccine, followed by a perceived benefit. The perceived benefit was the most significant predictor for attitude to dengue vaccine, followed by religiosity, attitudes to technology, and trust in key players. The findings provide insights into the multi-dimensional association of the determinants of attitude-intention to support the dengue vaccine. Conclusion: Although the findings showed that stakeholders in Malaysia are optimistic about the dengue vaccine, the effectiveness of this vaccine has not been tested in Malaysia. Hence, the ongoing research must be intensified. Therefore, this study can be used to guide decision-making on the execution of the dengue vaccine not only in Malaysia but also in other countries with a history of serious dengue transmission.