Knowledge and attitudes in Puerto Rico concerning dengue prevention

Abstract

The patterns of knowledge and opinion that emerged in the discussions can be arranged along an axis going from high levels of correct knowledge to low levels of correct knowledge about dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever and related practices. There were few participants at either extreme. Three themes explained these patterns: misconceptions about dengue (based on previously delivered information), the "invisibility" of dengue (as compared to other diseases), and responsibility (individual and Government). Four strategies for preventive behaviors were recommended: developing community groups to identify community priorities on prevention, developing volunteer groups to deliver prevention messages, making house visits to demonstrate specific control measures, and conducting a complementary media campaign to support these strategies.

Demographic and Clinical Features of Patients with Dengue in Northeastern Region of India: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study during 2009-2011

“…The percentage of positive cases having headache, eye pain and vomiting were significantly higher during the acute phase of the illness than that in the negative cases. These common clinical features in typical dengue infection were also observed in other published studies (Pérez-Guerra et al, 2005;Chuang et al, 2008;Lee et al, 2012). Our laboratory data showed that the percentage of dengue patients with mean elevated level of Aspartate transaminase and Alanine transaminase were significantly higher than that of laboratory dengue negative patients.…”

An analysis of community perceptions of mosquito-borne disease control and prevention in Sint Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands

“…This behaviour suggests that the concept of a community approach to mosquito control is, in fact, not a reality. Perez-Guerra et al [35] also found this behavioural characteristic in Puerto Rico where individuals often blamed their neighbours for not contributing appropriately and neglecting the combined efforts necessary for successful community based programmes. In Sint Eustatius, it may be a strategic option for the Public Health Department to focus on the household level rather than the community and build collaborations with households by supporting them when they actively practise mosquito control.…”

“…The significance of prevention and control may be attributed to the 2014 Chikungunya outbreak resulting in the Sint Eustatius population actually experiencing a mosquito-borne disease. In Puerto Rico, Perez et al [35,36] found that residents considered dengue an issue within the community mainly when people were aware of cases within the population.…”

Assessing the interest to participate in a dengue vaccine efficacy trial among residents of Puerto Rico

“…Previous studies conducted with Puerto Rican residents found that a perceived link between flu-like illness and dengue has existed in the past due to the similarities of early disease symptoms. 8,9 In 2010, an island-wide educational campaign was launched to promote dengue prevention practices and encourage people to get the H1N1 vaccine. Juxtaposition of the perceived side effects from influenza vaccination and the message delivered by the educational campaign could have created more confusion among the public because they might have thought that the H1N1 vaccine protected against dengue.…”

“…7 Although community-based education programs have increased knowledge about vector control among the public, these programs have had limited success in changing behavior to prevent or control endemic dengue. 8,9 Studies in various countries have shown that use of pesticides has had little effect on reducing vector populations of Aedes aegypti. 7 Given the lack of effective tools for the primary prevention of dengue, there has been a major effort to develop safe and effective dengue vaccines as a tool to prevent this disease.…”