Awareness and Behavior regarding Mosquito Borne Diseases and Its Correlates among Urban Slum Residents of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal(India)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background

Mosquito-borne diseases are major public-health problems in overcrowded, polluted areas like slums even after

implementation of various measures under the umbrella of National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program

(NVBDCP). Information about awareness of slum-dwellers and their behaviors towards mosquito-borne diseases are

essential for their prevention. This study aimed to assess awareness, preventive and care-seeking behaviors towards

mosquito-borne diseases among slum residents of Burdwan Municipality and to check for mosquito-breeding places

in and around their houses.

Materials and Methods

A community-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 226 households of urban field practice areas

of the department of Community Medicine, selected through random sampling, with a pre-designed, pre-tested

schedule from October 2022 to January 2023.

Results

The present study revealed that out of a total of 226 households, more than one-fourth (26.5%) had poor awareness

regarding the names of diseases caused by mosquitoes. None were aware about the diurnal variation in mosquito

biting pattern. More than half (56.6%) had poor awareness about symptoms of malaria and more than one-thirds

(35.4%) had poor awareness regarding symptoms of dengue. Majority had poor awareness regarding symptoms of

chikungunya, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis i.e. 93.8%, 83.6% and 96.9% respectively. More than two-third

(67.7%) had satisfactory awareness regarding preventive methods against mosquito-borne diseases. Majority (90%)

used mosquito nets as personal protective behavior. Among the households who had a history of mosquito-borne

diseases, only one-thirds (34%) sought health-care within 48 hours of symptoms onset and 83% sought health-care

from public facilities. Bivariate analysis using chi-square test revealed socio-demographic characteristics such as

gender, education, occupation had significant association with awareness regarding mosquito-borne diseases.

Conclusions

There is a need for awareness generation and behavior change communication on mosquito-borne diseases, and

enhance community participation in implementing preventive measures for the same.