Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Regarding Dengue in Maracay, Venezuela

Abstract

Dengue, a viral mosquito-borne disease currently affects more than 2.5 billion people living in endemic areas worldwide. In vector control, social mobilization and community behavioral changes are of crucial importance. Here, we identified the factors influencing community dengue preventive practices in a high-transmission urban area in Venezuela. Between September 2013 and February 2014, a cross-sectional study at the household level was carried out in Maracay city, Venezuela. A precoded questionnaire was used to obtain information on people's knowledge, attitudes, and use of preventive practices in relation to dengue. Concomitantly, entomological data was collected from households. In 80% of the 105 included households, 1-5 preventive practices (e.g., repellents, insecticides) against mosquito bites were used. However, 57% of the examined houses had potential breeding sites indoors and/or outdoors, most of which positive for spp. larvae/pupae. Preventive practices were associated with a previous dengue infection ( = 0.030) and a better knowledge on dengue symptoms and transmission route ( = 0.020). In turn, knowledge was associated with feeling at risk ( < 0.001), a previous dengue infection ( = 0.010), and reported exposure to information sources of dengue ( = 0.011). Even though the knowledge level of the community over transmission ways was high, and most of the individuals took measures to avoid mosquito bites, potential mosquito breeding sites were present in almost two-thirds of the examined properties. Health promotion activities in Venezuela should aim at raising awareness at the community level on the importance of combining mosquito bite prevention with removal of breeding sites in and around the households.

Association among ecological and behavioural attributes, dengue vector and disease control: a cross-sectional study of the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…Consistent with our findings, numerous studies have confirmed that people with better knowledge of the vector and the disease were associated with lower breeding rates. 8 , 9 According to these studies, knowledge and education led to changes in human practices and behaviour, which eventually reduces vector breeding and dengue infection rates.…”

“…Integrated urban ecological zones (IUEZs) are distinct areas of a city characterized by unique land- and waterscapes, and habitats that maintain a distinct ecological character in respect to biological and cultural diversity. 7 Numerous studies have revealed that better knowledge and awareness about the vector and the disease among city dwellers are associated with a reduction in vector breeding, 8 , 9 thus it is crucial to investigate the state of knowledge, awareness, attitudes and practice (KAAP) and their associated attributes. With a general failure of public agencies in vector control in many developing countries, the focus has recently shifted to private citizens’ efforts and their willingness to pay (WTP) for vector control.…”

Sociocultural determinants of adoption of preventive practices for hantavirus: A knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey in Tonosí, Panama

“…Like our results, a mixed-methods study by Elsinga et al found that intention to perform mosquito breeding site control practices were associated with lower perceived barriers in Curacao. However, the barriers identified in the Elsinga study were general such as not knowing how to control breeding sites or feeling as if the government does not help with the control [9]. In a community of indigenous peoples in Malaysia, Chandren et al also found low perceived barriers to be a predictor of proper prevention practices.…”

“…The results of KAP surveys help create culturally-competent interventions that are specific to the affected community [8]. Recently, in Latin America, KAP surveys have been used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices and inform interventions for Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and Malaria [9][10][11][12][13].…”

Cross-sectional study of dengue-related knowledge, attitudes and practices in Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru

“…KAP surveys relating to dengue have been carried out in many countries, including a number in Latin America. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] MINSA carried out a survey in 2004 reporting how KAP can influence the successful implementation of public health campaigns. 24 Since then, they have carried out numerous campaigns to promote and educate the public in relation to dengue and other A. aegypti transmitted diseases.…”