Perception and Practices of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC) members prevention and control of Dengue

Abstract

Background Dengue in all its forms is a major public health problem in India. Once considered being problem in urban areas now it is increasingly found in rural areas. Members of Village health sanitation and nutrition committees are the major stakeholders for health wellbeing sanitation and nutrition related activities at the village level. Thus understanding their knowledge on dengue will give an idea about their potential utility prevention and control of the disease. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among all 305 VHSNC members of two randomly selected primary health centers of Mysuru talukas for the period of six months. Perception and practicesof members on dengue and its prevention were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire.Results Among 305 VHSNC members participated in the study only 189 61.9 had ever heard of dengue.99 52.4 were aware that dengue is a preventable disease and 63.5 knew that disease is transmitted by mosquito. 30 knew that the mosquito breeds in fresh artificial collection of water. 54.1 participants reported to use bed nets followed by 98 32.1 mosquito repellent coils 60 19.7 mosquito repellent creams. Overall majority 120 39.3 were having poor perception regarding dengue followed by 95 31.1 fair 75 24.6 satisfactory and 15 4.9 good.Conclusion The perception and practices regarding dengue and its prevention were found to be poor among village health sanitation and nutrition committee members in selected primary health center areas of Mysuru.