Impact Assessment of ""Community Training Program"" on Dengue Prevention and Control

Abstract

Context: The global threat of dengue has burdened the health systems of underdeveloped and developing countries. In such a scenario, ‘community training programme’ has become the only remedy for vector-borne diseases like dengue. Program: The authors strongly believe that a personalised/ customised training programme designed for a set of population has the potential to bring a significant impact on behavioural change in the masses. The present study prospects in empathizing the knowledge, attitude and practice of a community in general and add a pragmatic value to the policy-makers in designing effective strategies to control dengue. Implementation: A two-step methodology was followed for designing the training materials viz., (i) accessing baseline knowledge through KAP survey, entomological survey and spatial survey and (ii) survey outcome-based designing of training materials which included personalized videos, PowerPoint presentations, poster & pamphlets, games, activity sheets, demos, etc. The customised materials mentioned were used during the training programme, and its effectiveness was evaluated after six months using “Difference in differences” (DID) methodology. Evaluation: The significant and positive DID coefficients 1.079, 0.599 and 1.7 indicated remarkable improvement in attitude, risk perception and knowledge respectively. Also, there was a significant behavioural change (1.50) in mosquito reduction practices post-intervention. Discussion: The results revealed a positive impact of the customized and tailor-made training materials on knowledge, attitude, risk perception and preventive practices scores. The encouraging outcome concerning behavioural change among the common masses could be attributed to the customised materials used for the training.