Assessing the effectiveness of CBTS in mitigating dengue hemorrhagic fever: A literature review

Abstract

Dengue virus infection and its severe form, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), is currently the most common and fastest-spreading arthropod-borne diseases. There are still no effective drugs and vaccines that work against DHF. Therefore, avoiding contact with infected vectors through personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is the most feasible way to prevent dengue virus infection. One of the programs designed to prevent environment-based diseases such as DHF is Community-Based Total Sanitation (CBTS). CBTS employs community empowerment in the form of a triggering method that induces a sense of shame within the community if their environment is dirty. Although promising, the use of CBTS is currently underutilized against DHF. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of hygiene and sanitation behaviors that align with the elements of CBTS pillars using a literature review method. Through the screening process, seven articles that matched the criteria were thoroughly reviewed to gather information. Based on the findings of this study, implementing either the 4th or 5th pillar of CBTS leads to a lower risk of contracting DHF.