Status of vector protection measures and awareness regarding vector borne diseases in families residing in a Nirmal Gram Puraskar village in India.

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases are increasing problems in various parts of the world, causing high mortality and morbidity for humans. This study was done to assess the vector protection measures taken by rural BPL (below-poverty-line) families, and to assess the awareness about vector-borne diseases along with Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in rural BPL families. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas, which won Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award, among 96 BPL families for a period of three months. These families (every 5th) were selected by systematic random sampling until we reached a sample size. Basic sociodemographic details, status of vector protection measures, solid waste management, vector- borne diseases and total sanitation campaign details were collected from the study participants. Pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the head of the families which included sanitation status at home by a house-to-house visit. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 20. Data was presented as frequency, percentages, mean and SD. Among 96 families (454 adults and children) studied 84 (87.5%) were males and 12 (12.5%) were females. 291 (64.1%) were using one or the other mosquito protection measures, 52 (54.2%) were using bednets and 23 (23.9%) were using coils. 12 families (12.5%) were not using any mosquito protection measures. In our study, 66 (68.8%) families had individual household latrine (IHHL) and 50 (52.1%) had open drainage. Even though 314 participants had an access to individual household latrine, 20 (6.36%) had practice of open-air defecation compared to 127 (90.7%) who practiced open-air defecation without an access to individual household latrine. When asked about the awareness regarding vector-borne diseases, 56 (58.3%) were aware about chikungunya, 47 (48.9%) about dengue, 46 (47.9%) about malaria, 14 (14.6%) and only 5 (5.2%) families were aware about Japanese encephalitis. In this study, 37 (38.5%) were aware about the total sanitation campaign and 40 (41.6%) were aware about government support for sanitation. While there is a general awareness of vector-borne diseases, the implementation of vector protection measures is not uniform across the village. There is a need for targeted interventions to improve the effectiveness of vector protection measures and increase awareness among the community.