Knowledge and use of personal protective measures against mosquito borne diseases in a resettlement colony of Delhi

Abstract

Background:Mosquito borne diseases (MBDs) are major public health problem in India. State of Delhi is endemic for dengue and other MBDs. The increasing incidence of MBDs in Delhi in recent years warrants a pro-active approach for their prevention. Knowledge and use of personal protective measures (PPMs) presents an effective strategy for prevention and control of MBDs.Aim:The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and use of PPMs against MBDs in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi.Subjects and Methods:It was a cross-sectional study carried out in a resettlement colony of Delhi. A total of 100 families were selected by systematic random sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire and supplemented by spot survey by the investigator in the community. The results were analyzed in SPSS version 16.0 (Chicago Illinios, USA).Results:Out of the 100 respondents, 65% (65/100), 58%(58/100) and 13% (13/100) had heard about dengue, malaria and chikungunya, respectively. Nearly, one-fifth (20/100; 20%) of the participants reported incorrect breeding sites for mosquitoes. The knowledge regarding PPMs was very high (93/100; 93%) and about (90/100; 90%) families were actually using at least one of the PPMs. However, very few families were using them correctly (1/90; 1.1%) and adequately (5/90; 5.6%). The most common PPM being used by the study population was liquid vaporizers (54/90; 60%). Nearly one-third (29/90; 32.2%) of the participants reported side-effects due to PPMs with irritation to smell being the most common reported side-effect. On house visit, adult mosquitoes were seen in 67% (67/100) of the houses, while potential mosquito breeding sites were found in and around 56% (56/100) houses.Conclusions:There were crucial gaps in knowledge and practices of participants with regard to prevention and control of MBDs. Thus, there is a need to intensify efforts toward creating public knowledge and mobilizing community about correct use of preventive measures against MBDs.

How aware are we regarding vector borne diseases? A community based study in a slum of Kolkata, India

“…18 Anand T et al in his study conducted in a resettlement colony of central Delhi found that majority of the participants (68%) knew about the breeding site of anopheles and Dengue mosquito. 19 In comparison to above mentioned studies, the population of the present study had very poor awareness regarding breeding places of the mosquitoes. So this issue should be addressed immediately for better prevention of the diseases.…”

“…[11][12][13][14] A study done by Anand T et al in Delhi found that family and friends were most common source of information, and contrary to the findings of the present study. 19 Ghosh A et al in their study in Bankura town found that majority of the people (49.01%) had accumulated information regarding mosquito borne diseases from their daily observations on sick people. 20 This finding was contrary to most other studies and also the current study.…”

“…Anand T et al in their study in a resettlement colony of central Delhi showed that the awareness regarding personal protective methods (93%) was very high followed by source reduction (47%). 19 Awareness regarding other preventive measures such as cleaning of coolers and cleaning the surroundings was poor. In the present study awareness regarding preventive measures was elicited by a multiple choice question which included both ppms and source reduction.…”

What rural people in Tamilnadu are doing to prevent dengue?

“…These findings were consistent with other studies in Delhi and Chennai. 8,10 As the vector of dengue bites during daytime it is essential to use these measures during the day time also. To conclude it can be stated that though many people are using PPMs, the preventive practices among the day biting mosquito is low which need to be corrected with proper health education.…”

“…6 These study findings were quite different from studies done in urban areas where a majority used liquid vapours and mats, for obvious reasons. 8,9 The PPMs were used mostly during night time. These findings were consistent with other studies in Delhi and Chennai.…”