A study on knowledge and practices regarding mosquito borne diseases in Rithala village, New Delhi

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite various continuous efforts by the government, mosquito borne diseases (MBDs) like dengue and malaria are still a public health problem. Awareness and knowledge about the risk of mosquito bite and source reduction can prevent the transmission of these diseases. The present study was done to assess the awareness of rural population about MBDs and preventive measures against mosquito bite and personal preventive measures (PPMs) taken by them.<strong> </strong>Objective of the study was to assess the knowledge about Mosquito borne diseases and to identify the utilization pattern of personal preventive measures for mosquito control. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among adult rural population of Rithala village, New Delhi by systematic random sampling and were interviewed by using semi-structured, pretested and predesigned questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 22.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>It was observed that 92.21% (188/204) of study participants were aware of mosquito borne diseases and majority were aware of dengue i.e., 87.25% (178/204). The most common source of information about mosquito borne diseases was television 60.78% (124/204). One or the other PPMs were used by 86.76% (177/204) and most commonly used PPMs was liquid vaporizers i.e., 43.13% (88/204).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There is a gap between knowledge of MBDs and use of PPMs so there is a need to educate rural population about all MBDs, their different mosquito breeding site and other less common methods of PPMs.</p>