Dengue Knowledge and Preventive Practices in Iquitos, Peru.

Valerie A Paz-Soldán,Tadeusz J Kochel,Moises Sihuincha,Eric S Halsey,Thomas W Scott,Helvio Astete,Amy C Morrison,Jhonny J Cordova Lopez,Audrey Lenhart,Philip J Mccall,John P Elder

doi:10.4269/ajtmh.15-0096

Valerie A Paz-Soldán, Tadeusz J Kochel + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.15-0096

Copy DOI

Abstract

As part of a cluster-randomized trial to evaluate insecticide-treated curtains for dengue prevention in Iquitos, Peru, we surveyed 1,333 study participants to examine knowledge and reported practices associated with dengue and its prevention. Entomological data from 1,133 of these households were linked to the survey. Most participants knew that dengue was transmitted by mosquito bite (85.6%), but only few (18.6%) knew that dengue vectors bite during daytime. Most commonly recognized dengue symptoms were fever (86.6%), headache (76.4%), and muscle/joint pain (67.9%). Most commonly reported correct practices for mosquito control were cleaning homes (61.6%), using insecticide sprays (23%), and avoiding having standing water at home (12.3%). Higher education was associated with higher knowledge about dengue, including transmission and vector control. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with increased reported use of preventive practices requiring money expenditure. We were less likely to find Aedes aegypti eggs, larvae, or pupae in households that had < 5-year-old children at home. Although dengue has been transmitted in Iquitos since the 1990s and the Regional Health Authority routinely fumigates households, treats domestic water containers with larvicide, and issues health education messages through mass media, knowledge of dengue transmission and household practices for prevention could be improved.

Highlights

Dengue viruses (DENVs) are transmitted by the day-biting mosquito Aedes aegypti and cause more human morbidity and mortality than any other arthropod-borne virus.[1,2] Annually, there are an estimated 390 million cases of dengue fever worldwide.[3]
Respondent stated that dengue is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito Respondent stated that mosquito vector that transmits dengue bites during day hours, defined this way if the respondent mentioned any hours between 5 AM and 8 PM Respondent was able to name at least three correct symptoms in dengue patients Respondent answered one should take paracetamol for dengue symptom relief Respondent was able to name at least one appropriate and correct household practice that could prevent dengue Respondent reports use of insect spray Respondent allows use of larvicide
Use of larvicide is confirmed by research team who check for sticker with date placed on respondent’s door by vector control personnel Respondent reports any appropriate physical intervention to reduce mosquitoes Entomology team does not find any Aedes aegypti eggs, larvae, and/or pupae in any water container within the house

Summary

Introduction

Dengue viruses (DENVs) are transmitted by the day-biting mosquito Aedes aegypti and cause more human morbidity and mortality than any other arthropod-borne virus.[1,2] Annually, there are an estimated 390 million cases of dengue fever worldwide.[3] considerable progress has been made, neither a dengue vaccine nor effective antiviral medication for dengue treatment is currently available.[3,4,5] As such, vector control remains the primary component of most dengue prevention programs.[3]. In response to increases in dengue cases or mosquito indices, emergency measures, indoor space spray applications, and city-wide cleanup campaigns (collection of water-holding container that serve as Aedes larval habitats) are instigated

Methods

Results

Conclusion