Abstract
BackgroundDengue, recognized by the WHO as the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in the world, is a growing problem. Currently, the only effective way of preventing dengue is vector control. Standard methods have shown limited effect, and there have been calls to develop new integrated vector management approaches. One novel tool, protecting houses with long lasting insecticidal screens on doors and windows, is being trialled in a cluster randomised controlled trial by a joint UADY/WHO TDR/IDRC study in various districts of Acapulco, Mexico, with exceptionally high levels of crime and insecurity.This study investigated the community’s perspectives of long lasting insecticidal screens on doors and windows in homes and in schools, in order to ascertain their acceptability, to identify challenges to further implementation and opportunities for future improvements.MethodsThis was a sequential mixed-methods study. The quantitative arm contained a satisfaction survey administered to 288 houses that had received the intervention examining their perspectives of both the intervention and dengue prevention in general. The qualitative arm consisted of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with those who had accepted the intervention and key informant interviews with: schoolteachers to discuss the use of the screens in schools, program staff, and community members who had refused the intervention.ResultsOverall satisfaction and acceptance of the screens was very high, with only some operational and technical complaints relating to screen fragility and the installation process. However, the wider social context of urban violence and insecurity was a major barrier to screen acceptance. Lack of information dissemination and community collaboration were identified as project weaknesses.ConclusionsThe screens are widely accepted by the population, but the project implementation could be improved by reassuring the community of its legitimacy in the context of insecurity. More community engagement and better information sharing structures are needed.The screens could be a major new dengue prevention tool suitable for widespread use, if further research supports their entomological and epidemiological effectiveness and their acceptability in different social and environmental contexts. Further research is needed looking at the impact of insecurity of dengue prevention programmes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-846) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Dengue, recognized by the WHO as the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in the world, is a growing problem
This study aims to describe the community’s baseline knowledge, understanding and attitudes towards dengue and their current prevention practices; explore the acceptance, use, adherence, and perspectives of the longlasting insecticidal screens; and offer suggestions about how to alter the programme to better address the sociocultural needs of the community
The high levels of satisfaction with ITMs are similar to the findings of Lenhart et al [13] and Kroeger et al [12] with little evidence of the fears concerning insecticide described by Kroeger et al [16] for insecticide treated bed nets
Summary
Dengue, recognized by the WHO as the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in the world, is a growing problem. The only effective way of preventing dengue is vector control. Standard methods have shown limited effect, and there have been calls to develop new integrated vector management approaches. One novel tool, protecting houses with long lasting insecticidal screens on doors and windows, is being trialled in a cluster randomised controlled trial by a joint UADY/WHO TDR/IDRC study in various districts of Acapulco, Mexico, with exceptionally high levels of crime and insecurity. Dengue is recognised as a public health emergency of international concern [2] and the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in the world [1]. The only established method of dengue prevention is vector control [4]. As mosquitoes rapidly return if prevention methods are reduced or stopped [8]
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