Are Vulnerable Communities Thoroughly Informed on Mosquito Bio-Ecology and Burden?

Abstract

Mosquitoes account for a significant burden of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite evidence of (1) imminent anthropogenic climate and environmental changes, (2) vector-pathogen spatio-temporal dynamics and (3) emerging and re-emerging mosquito borne infections, public knowledge on mosquito bio-ecology remain scant. In particular, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) on mosquitoes are often neglected despite otherwise expensive remedial efforts against consequent infections and other indirect effects associated with disease burden. To gather baseline KAPs that identify gaps for optimising vector-borne disease control, we surveyed communities across endemic and non-endemic malaria sub-districts (Botswana). The study revealed limited knowledge of mosquitoes and their infections uniformly across endemic and non-endemic areas. In addition, a significant proportion of respondents were concerned about mosquito burdens, although their level of personal, indoor and environmental protection practices varied significantly across sub-districts. Given the limited knowledge displayed by the communities, this study facilitates bridging KAP gaps to minimise disease burdens by strengthening public education. Furthermore, it provides a baseline for future studies in mosquito bio-ecology and desirable control practices across differential spheres of the rural–urban lifestyle, with implications for enhanced livelihoods as a consequence of improved public health.

A Survey of Potentially Pathogenic-Incriminated Arthropod Vectors of Health Concern in Botswana

“…Thus, local flies (e.g., stable, horse, house and blow flies) may be important arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary importance in triggering and exacerbating secondary infections directly or indirectly. Although mosquito abundance and refugia hotspots may be influenced by climatic and anthropogenic activities (e.g., degraded habitats) [ 69 , 88 , 89 ], this study further reported that pit latrines and food wastes were likely the major attractants to cockroaches and flies in homesteads. Therefore, it remains essential to assess the pathogenicity of urban pests across rural-urban landscapes.…”

“…Knowledge, here, referred to what residents knew about arthropod vector biology, ecology, taxonomy and control practices. The dependent variables (knowledge items) were evaluated against the independent factors (e.g., district, age, gender and educational background) to quantify the responses using rating, nominal and ordinal scales following modifications from Buxton et al [ 69 ].…”

“…The national mosquito vector programme is currently deployed as Main (Indoor Residual Spraying; 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) and supplementary interventions with Long lasting Insecticide treated Nets (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) and piloted Larviciding (5, 6, 7) [ 70 ]. The level of knowledge on mosquito bio-ecology and associated diseases has been assessed at 1, 7, 8 and 9 [ 69 , 71 ].…”

Malaria and Helminthic Co-Infection during Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Based on the random distribution assumption, the prevalence of each disease condition was obtained from the individual study estimate (ES), which includes a standard error (seES) and lower and upper confidence intervals. The pooled estimates were calculated and reported with respect to the relative weight given for each study [90,91]. Egger's regression test analyses were used to check the publication bias [92].…”