Abstract
BackgroundDengue is linked with climate change in tropical and sub-tropical countries including the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) and Thailand. Knowledge about these issues and preventive measures can affect the incidence and outbreak risk of dengue. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among urban and rural communities and government officials about climate change and dengue in Laos and Thailand. MethodsA cross-sectional KAP survey about climate change and dengue were conducted in 360 households in Laos (180 urban and 180 rural), 359 households in Thailand (179 urban and 180 rural), and 20 government officials (10 in each country) using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive methods, principal component analysis (PCA), Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test (as appropriate), and logistic regression. ResultsSignificant differences among the selected communities in both countries were found in terms of household participant's age, level of education, socioeconomic status, attitude level of climate change and KAP level of dengue (P < 0.05; 95% CI). Overall, participants' KAP about climate change and dengue were low except the attitude level for dengue in both countries. The level of awareness among government officials regarding the climatic relationship with dengue was also low.In Lao households, participants’ knowledge about climate change and dengue was significantly associated with the level of education and socioeconomic status (SES) (P < 0.01). Their attitudes towards climate change and dengue were associated with educational level and internet use (P < 0.05). Householders' climate change related practices were associated with SES (P < 0.01) and dengue related practices were associated with educational level, SES, previous dengue experience and internet use (P < 0.01).In Thailand, participants' knowledge about climate change was associated with the level of education and SES (P < 0.01). Their attitudes towards climate change were associated with residence status (urban/rural) and internet use (P < 0.05); climate change related practices were associated with educational level and SES (P < 0.05). Dengue related knowledge of participants was associated with SES and previous dengue experience (P < 0.05); participants’ dengue related attitudes and practices were associated with educational level (P < 0.01). ConclusionThe findings call for urgently needed integrated awareness programs to increase KAP levels regarding climate change adaptation, mitigation and dengue prevention to improve the health and welfare of people in these two countries, and similar dengue-endemic countries.
Highlights
There is a growing concern about the effect of climate change on human health and wellbeing (Haines and Ebi, 2019)
A few respondents (35.3% and 33.8% for Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos), respectively) took extra actions to prepare to adapt to the impact of climate change and reduce dengue risk (Table S5 in Supplement)
More than 80% of the respondents were concerned about climate change and dengue and were interested in receiving more information, for example through government and non-governmental organizations
Summary
There is a growing concern about the effect of climate change on human health and wellbeing (Haines and Ebi, 2019). The global surface temperature will increase and rainfall patterns change (Pachauri et al, 2014), which affects the environmental suitability for the growth and survival of mosquitoes and potentially their transmission of dengue viruses (Xu et al, 2020). This may subse quently change the burden of dengue globally, nationally and locally. In Lao households, participants’ knowledge about climate change and dengue was significantly associated with the level of education and socioeconomic status (SES) (P < 0.01) Their attitudes towards climate change and dengue were associated with educational level and internet use (P < 0.05). Their attitudes towards climate change were associated with residence status (urban/rural) and internet use (P < 0.05); climate change related practices were associated with educational level and SES (P < 0.05)
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