The application of system thinking in solving complex problem: A case study of dengue transmission control policy

Abstract

System thinking is a potential approach in solving a complex problems that is hard to solve using a conventional approach. At its core, systems thinking is aimed at seeing how things are connected to each other within the notion of a whole entity. This paper explains the use of system thinking in the dengue problem. As we know, the rapid growth of the dengue virus had led to a ride in public concern to the increase in cost burden, reported death and hospitalization cases. Therefore, providing an effective dengue control strategy is essential for reducing the dengue infected people in a cost effective manner. This paper discusses how a system thinking tool, named causal loop diagram tool was applied to the dengue control policy issue. A causal loop diagram is a development that contains major variables, cause-effect relations and feedback loops in dengue transmission, and a step by step guideline for the causal loop diagram development is provided.