Abstract
BackgroundSocio-economic, demographic factors and Knowledge Attitude Practices (KAPs) have been recognized as critical factors that influence the incidence and transmission of dengue epidemics. However, studies that characterize above features of a risk free or low risk population are rare. Therefore, the present study was conducted to characterize the household related, demographic, socio-economic factors and KAPs status of five selected dengue free communities.MethodAn analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted on selected demographic, socio-economic, household related and KAPs in five selected dengue free communities living in dengue risk areas within Kandy District, Central Province, Sri Lanka. Household heads of 1000 randomly selected houses were interviewed in this study. Chi-square test for independence, cluster analysis and Principal Coordinates (PCO) analysis were used for data analysis.ResultsKnowledge and awareness regarding dengue, (prevention of the vector breeding, bites of mosquitoes, disease symptoms and waste management) and attitudes of the community (towards home gardening, composting, waste management and maintenance of a clean and dengue free environment) are associated with the dengue free status of the study populations.ConclusionsThe vector controlling authorities should focus on socio-economic, demographic and KAPs in stimulating the community to cooperate in the integrated vector management strategies to improve vector control and reduce transmission of dengue within Kandy District.
Highlights
Socio-economic, demographic factors and Knowledge Attitude Practices (KAPs) have been recognized as critical factors that influence the incidence and transmission of dengue epidemics
The vector controlling authorities should focus on socio-economic, demographic and KAPs in stimulating the community to cooperate in the integrated vector management strategies to improve vector control and reduce transmission of dengue within Kandy District
Kandy District remain as the third highest risk area for dengue transmission in the country contributing to 7.77% (14, 338) of the total dengue cases reported during the year [6]
Summary
Socio-economic, demographic factors and Knowledge Attitude Practices (KAPs) have been recognized as critical factors that influence the incidence and transmission of dengue epidemics. The present study was conducted to characterize the household related, demographic, socio-economic factors and KAPs status of five selected dengue free communities. In Sri Lanka since 1989, dengue is recognized as a regular epidemic, indicating an exponential increase in the incidence [4, 5]. There are significant spatial and temporal trends in the emergence of dengue outbreaks in Sri Lanka, which could be mainly accounted by the variations in environmental, meteorological, and socioeconomic factors throughout the country [5]. In 2016, 54,945 of suspected dengue cases have been reported in Sri Lanka, followed by 184, 442 cases within 2017, indicating the severity of the issue [6]. The large annual financial allocation for the management of dengue patients and controlling of dengue vectors, has made dengue to be recognized as a priority health issue in Sri Lanka that imposes a heavy burden on the national health budget
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