Relationship between Aedes aegypti indices with perception and practices of dengue in an urban community of Mysore

Abstract

Background: Dengue is one of the major public health problems in the world. Currently, dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries of Asian pacific region. Prevention and control of dengue is largely influenced by the level of awareness and the preventive practices people undertake. In this background, the present study was conducted to find out the relationship between Aedes aegypti indices and perception and practices regarding dengue and its prevention. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slum for the period of 1 year among 270 households selected by probability proportionate to size technique. Data were collected by structured questionnaire with details on sociodemographic characteristics, perception, and practices adopted by people toward dengue and its prevention. Larva survey was conducted by observing for the A. aegypti larvae in the containers within and outside the households. Results: Among 270 households included in the present study, overall, 70 (25.9%) and 96 (35.6%) of the study respondents were having poor and average levels of perception. 22 (8.1%) and 163 (60.4%) of respondents had poor and average levels of dengue prevention practices, respectively. Household index, container index, and Bretau's index (BI) were 5.52%, 6.05%, and 8.51%, respectively. Median perception and practice scores among the respondents of households with larva breeding were significantly lower as compared to the ones without larva breeding. Conclusion: Majority of the study participants had poor to average levels of perception and practices regarding dengue and its prevention. These scores were significantly lower among households with active larva breeding.