Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Relation to Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Bangladesh

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are common in Bangladesh, with frequent outbreaks in the rainy season. Analysis of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people toward any crisis is fundamental to addressing any gap. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study mainly focusing on the northern, southern and central parts of Bangladesh to understand the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people regarding MBDs, mosquito habitats, or control measures. A total of 1720 participants were involved in the study from 33 out of 64 districts of Bangladesh, of which 56.9% were male. While most of them knew about dengue (97.1%), chikungunya (81.4%), and malaria (85.2%), only half of them were aware of filaria (53.3%), which is endemic to the northern region. A knowledge score (0–8, low), (9–16, moderate), (17–24, high), and attitude score (0–4, poor), (5–8, moderate), and (9–13, high) were assigned. While poor and moderate attitudes were considered negative, good attitudes were considered positive. About 45% of the respondents had a moderate knowledge score (50–70); however, about 67.9% of participants showed a good attitude score (>70) towards the control of MBDs. It was found that the knowledge and attitude of the responders were related to their profession (knowledge p < 0.001; attitude, p = 0.002), residential area (knowledge p < 0.001; attitude, p < 0.001), and education level (knowledge p < 0.001; attitude p = 0.004). A mosquito is a kind of nuisance bug, and about 79.8% of responders admitted that they kill mosquitoes as soon as they notice them. They also use bed nets (93.7%) followed by mosquito coils (85.7%) as a preventive method. Interestingly, 73.2% of the responders were reluctant to contact the local government during an increase in mosquito numbers. Overall, the people of Bangladesh have a positive attitude towards the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases. It is highly recommended that the government creates more knowledge regarding this issue and develops collaborative approaches with local people to implement robust preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases.

Exploring community needs in combating aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever: a study with urban community in the recurrent hotspot area

“…Thus, it is vital to understand the community beliefs and perspectives of the disease, as well as the challenges faced so that appropriate and sustainable disease control interventions can be developed and implemented [29]. The interventions must be customized to the needs of the local populations to ensure acceptance and adherence [30,31]. Additionally, interventions should be flexible to adapt to any changes in the local environment and communities [31,32].…”

Perbandingan Pengetahuan Sikap dan Praktik Masyarakat pada Wilayah Urban dan Rural Daerah Endemik Filariasis di Kabupaten Bogor

“…Menurut Fitriasari, bahwa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara praktik pencegahan filariasis dengan tingkat pengetahuan dan sikap. 30 Hal ini berarti praktik pencegahan semakin baik jika masyarakat memiliki tingkat pengetahuan dan sikap yang baik pula. Tingkat pengetahuan dan sikap masyarakat di Desa Cimanggis lebih baik karena akses mereka lebih dekat dari ibukota sehingga memudahkan untuk memperoleh fasilitas dan faktor pendukung lainnya.…”

Diversity, Abundance, Density and Habitat Characterization of Mosquitoes in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…The Culicidae mosquito family is the well-known parasitic carriers of several deadly and contagious diseases, including dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, filariasis, and encephalitis (Chowdhury et al 2000). Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) in 2018 caused about 750,000 fatalities worldwide (Mobin et al 2022). The MBD occurs when mosquitoes suck their host's blood and thus transmits parasites or viruses so to the next host (Mobin et al 2022).…”

“…Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) in 2018 caused about 750,000 fatalities worldwide (Mobin et al 2022). The MBD occurs when mosquitoes suck their host's blood and thus transmits parasites or viruses so to the next host (Mobin et al 2022). Since the distant past, they have been the biggest worrisome agents in both rural and urban areas, and they continue to exist today, mainly in developing nations and the rest of the world.…”

“…Since the distant past, they have been the biggest worrisome agents in both rural and urban areas, and they continue to exist today, mainly in developing nations and the rest of the world. Dengue fever is estimated to cost the Americas USD 2.1 billion per year, excluding the expenditure of preventive treatment (Mobin et al 2022). Aedes aegypti is a known vector of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF).…”