Preliminary results on the control of Aedes spp. in a remote Guatemalan community vulnerable to dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus: community participation and use of low-cost ecological ovillantas for mosquito control

Objective: To study the effectiveness of an integrated intervention of health worker training, a low-cost ecological mosquito ovitrap, and community engagement on Aedes spp. mosquito control over 10 months in 2015 in an urban remote community in Guatemala at risk of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus transmission. Methods: We implemented a three-component integrated intervention consisting of: web-based training of local health personnel in vector control, cluster-randomized assignment of an ecological modified ovitrap (ovillantas: ovi=egg, llanta=tire) or standard ovitraps to capture Aedes spp. mosquito eggs (no efforts have been taken to determine the exact Aedes species at this moment), and community engagement to promote participation of community members and health personnel in the understanding and maintenance of ovitraps for mosquito control. The intervention was implemented in local collaboration with Guatemala’s Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Programme, and in international collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico. Findings: Eighty percent of the 25 local health personnel enrolled in the training programme received accreditation of their improved knowledge of vector control. When ovillantas were used in a cluster of ovitraps (several in proximity), significantly more eggs were trapped by ecological ovillantas than standard ovitraps over the 10 month (42 week) study period (t=5.2577; p<0.05). Repetitive filtering and recycling of the attractant solution (or water) kept the ovillanta clean, free from algae growth. Among both community members and health workers, the levels of knowledge, interest, and participation in community mosquito control and trapping increased. Recommendations for enhancing and sustaining community mosquito control were identified. Conclusion: Our three-component integrated intervention proved beneficial to this remote community at risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The combination of training of health workers, cluster use of low-cost ecological ovillanta to destroy the second generation of mosquitoes, and community engagement ensured the project met local needs and fostered collaboration and participation of the community, which can help improve sustainability. The ovillanta intervention and methodology may be modified to target other species such as Culex, should it be established that such mosquitoes carry Zika virus in addition to Aedes.

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Preliminary results on the control of Aedes spp. in a remote Guatemalan community vulnerable to dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus: community participation and use of low-cost ecological ovillantas for mosquito control

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.8461.2 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 598 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gerard Ulibarri ◽

Angel Betanzos ◽

Mireya Betanzos ◽

Juan Jacobo Rojas

Keyword(s):

Community Engagement ◽

Vector Control ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Health Personnel ◽

Mosquito Control ◽

Health Workers ◽

Low Cost ◽

Local Health ◽

Community Members ◽

Integrated Intervention

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Control of Aedes aegypti in a remote Guatemalan community vulnerable to dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus: Prospective evaluation of an integrated intervention of web-based health worker training in vector control, low-cost ecological ovillantas, and community engagement

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.8461.1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 598

Author(s):

Gerard Ulibarri ◽

Angel Betanzos ◽

Mireya Betanzos ◽

Juan Jacobo Rojas

Keyword(s):

Community Engagement ◽

Vector Control ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Health Personnel ◽

Mosquito Control ◽

Health Workers ◽

Low Cost ◽

Local Health ◽

Worker Training ◽

Integrated Intervention

Objective: To study the effectiveness of an integrated intervention of health worker training, a low-cost ecological mosquito ovitrap, and community engagement on Aedes spp. mosquito control over 10 months in 2015 in an urban remote community in Guatemala at risk of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus transmission. Methods: We implemented a three-component integrated intervention consisting of: web-based training of local health personnel in vector control, cluster-randomized assignment of ecological ovillantas or standard ovitraps to capture Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs, and community engagement to promote participation of community members and health personnel in the understanding and maintenance of ovitraps for mosquito control. The intervention was implemented in local collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Programme, and in international collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico. Findings: Eighty percent of the 25 local health personnel enrolled in the training programme received accreditation of their improved knowledge of vector control. Significantly more eggs were trapped by ecological ovillantas than standard ovitraps over the 10 month (42 week) study period (t=5.2577; p<0.05). Among both community members and health workers, the levels of knowledge, interest, and participation in community mosquito control and trapping increased. Recommendations for enhancing and sustaining community mosquito control were identified. Conclusion: Our three-component integrated intervention proved beneficial to this remote community at risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The combination of training of health workers, low-cost ecological ovillanta to destroy the second generation of mosquitoes, and community engagement ensured the project met local needs and fostered collaboration and participation of the community, which can help improve sustainability. The ovillanta intervention and methodology may be modified to target other species such as Culex, should it be established that such mosquitoes carry Zika virus in addition to Aedes.

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Strategic yet delicate: the dilemma of involving health workers in facilitating birth registration in Indonesia

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-019-4594-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Clara Siagian ◽

Wenny Wandasari ◽

Feri Sahputra ◽

Santi Kusumaningrum

Keyword(s):

Health Personnel ◽

Health Workers ◽

Health Sector ◽

Birth Certificate ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Vital Statistics ◽

Local Health ◽

Birth Registration ◽

Community Members ◽

Civil Registration

Abstract Background Birth registration provides the basis for population data. Previous studies have examined that collaboration between the health sector and civil registration can help improve birth registration rate. However, there was a little exploration into health workers’ understanding of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) and their perceived role in it. This study aims to fill this gap by focusing on the perspective of both health personnel in a managerial position and those who are involved in direct service provision to the community. Finally, we discussed the opportunities and challenges to strengthen the birth registration presented by health workers’ diverse views. Method This study uses a qualitative approach through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 23 provincial to village health personnel in Pangkajene Kepulauan (Pangkep) district of South Sulawesi province. The participants were selected through consultation with the Department of Planning and the head of the Department of Health at provincial and district level based on the relevance of their position with CRVS. At the frontline level, the informants were identified using a snowballing technique and recommendation from community members. Results This study finds that at the village level, health workers perceive CRVS as important since it supports them in delivering healthcare to community members. They see identification document like birth certificate as crucial for healthcare seekers to access the government’s health insurance and with that, proper and affordable treatment. Some health workers have been facilitating birth registration on a discretionary basis. Local health officials agree that accurate birth data lead to effective planning and financing for healthcare services and insurance. Despite the positive perception of birth registration, the majority of health workers do not want the additional burden for registering births. Health officials, however, are more open to taking some responsibilities. Conclusion This study concludes that the level of health workers’ understanding and appreciation of the CRVS system provides opportunities to engage them systematically in birth registration. It recommends that institutionalizing health workers’ participation in birth registration must consider their current workload, revision of legal instruments, capacity building plan, and operable linkage with civil registration authority.

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The effect of community dialogues and sensitization on patient reporting of adverse events in rural Uganda: uncontrolled before-after study

10.1101/402503 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Helen Byomire Ndagije ◽

Leonard Manirakiza ◽

Dan Kajungu ◽

Edward Galiwango ◽

Donna Kusemererwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Community Engagement ◽

Adverse Drug Events ◽

Health Workers ◽

Household Survey ◽

Rural Setting ◽

Health Issues ◽

Community Members ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Before And After

AbstractBackgroundThe patients that experience adverse events are in the best position to report them, only if they were empowered to do so. Systematic community engagement and support to patients in a rural setting to monitor any potential harm from medicines should provide evidence for patient safety.MethodsThis paper describes an uncontrolled before and after study aimed at assessing the effect of a community engagement strategy, the Community Dialogues and Sensitization (CDS) intervention between January and April 2017, on the knowledge, attitude and practice of reporting adverse drug events by community members in the two eastern Ugandan districts. A representative cross-sectional baseline household survey was done prior to the intervention in September 2016 (n=1034) and the end-line survey (n=827) in July 2017.ResultsAfter implementation of the CDS intervention, there was an overall 20% (95% CI=16- 25) increase in awareness about adverse drug events in the community. The young people (15- 24 years) demonstrated a 41% (95% CI =31-52) increase and the un-educated showed a 50% (95% CI=37-63) increase in awareness about adverse drug events. The attitudes towards reporting increased overall by 5% in response to whether there was a need to report ADEs (95% CI =3-7). An overall 115% (95% CI =137-217) increase in the population that had ever experienced ADEs was also reported.ConclusionOur evaluation shows that the CDS intervention increases knowledge, improves attitudes by catalyzing discussions among community members and health workers on health issues and monitoring safety of medicines.

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1663. Community Engagement for Ebola Prevention in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1527 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S608-S609

Author(s):

Qaasim Mian ◽

Kasereka Masumbuko Claude ◽

Michael Hawkes

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Community Engagement ◽

Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽

Local Health ◽

Response Effort ◽

Community Members ◽

Treatment Unit ◽

Participant Satisfaction ◽

Social Resistance ◽

Response Team

Abstract Background The second largest outbreak of Ebolavirus in history is currently ongoing in Eastern DRC. The epidemic is characterized by social resistance to foreign-led response teams. Trusted local health practitioners, including medical students, may be valuable social mobilizers in this challenging context. Methods We report on a student-led educational campaign to increase community awareness and engagement in EVD control efforts. We evaluated student and community participant satisfaction using standardized questionnaires. Results The outreach was conducted in November 2018, involving parades, speeches, branded banners and T-shirts, and interpersonal interactions in public spaces. Key messages, linked to previously identified resistant attitudes, included: “Ebola exists in Butembo,” “Bring infected family members to the Ebola Treatment Unit,” and “Leave burials to the official team.” Medical students (n = 355) and community participants (n = 319) evaluated the outreach campaign. Satisfaction was high: 320 (90%) students agreed that medical students could contribute to the EVD response effort, and 233 (73%) community members agreed that the students had helped them understand Ebola in the area. Lower satisfaction scores were associated with self-reported “resistant” attitudes (e.g., intention to hide infected family member from authorities, ρ = -0.25, P < 0.0001), denial of the existence of Ebola in the area (ρ = -0.17, P = 0.0018), and mistrust of the foreign response team (e.g., belief in mercenary motive, ρ = -0.11, P = 0.042). Higher satisfaction scores were associated with the view that local engagement was critical to ending the epidemic (ρ = +0.13, P = 0.017). Both students (77%) and community members (71%) agreed that they were more motivated to combat Ebola as a result of the outreach, suggesting that the activities fostered empowerment. Conclusion Medical students can lead satisfactory community engagement and educational activities during an EVD epidemic. As trusted local health agents, medical students may be valuable allies in building public trust and cooperation in this epidemic complicated by social resistance. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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DIY Urbanism: Influences & Impacts on Community Planning

Topophilia ◽

10.29173/topo41 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 67-71

Author(s):

Steven Shuttle

Keyword(s):

Community Engagement ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Public Safety ◽

Low Cost ◽

Community Planning ◽

Small Scale ◽

Community Members ◽

Do It Yourself

‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) urbanism is usually initiated by community members using a grassroots approach to change urban areas. Community planning involves making decisions about urban areas. This paper examines topics regarding DIY urbanism and community planning. Community engagement, neoliberalism and municipal support are key influences of DIY urbanism related to planning. DIY urbanism impacts the planner’s role as well as the relationships between planners, communities and municipalities. Three Canadian examples of DIY urbanism are introduced, including the Urban Repair Squad, PARK(ing) Day, and CITYlab. Discussion focuses on the opportunities and potential challenges of DIY urbanism for planners to consider. Potential challenges include public safety and municipal liability. Recommendations for planners regarding DIY urbanism are provided. DIY urbanism can be beneficial if planners work collaboratively and focus on small scale, low cost improvements.

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Acceptability and feasibility of malaria prophylaxis for forest goers: findings from a qualitative study in Cambodia

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03983-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽

Mom Ean ◽

Chhoeun Heng ◽

Thoek Buntau ◽

Rupam Tripura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vector Control ◽

Health Workers ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Control Measures ◽

Health Concern ◽

Local Health ◽

Malaria Prophylaxis ◽

Treatment Services ◽

Preventive Medication ◽

Greater Mekong Subregion

Abstract Background In the Greater Mekong Subregion, adults are at highest risk for malaria, particularly those who visit forests. The absence of effective vector control strategies and limited periods of exposure during forest visits suggest that chemoprophylaxis could be an appropriate strategy to protect forest goers against malaria. Methods Alongside a clinical trial of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis in northern Cambodia, qualitative research was conducted, including in-depth interviews and observation, to explore the acceptability of malaria prophylaxis for forest goers, the implementation opportunities, and challenges of this strategy. Results Prophylaxis with artemether–lumefantrine for forest goers was found to be acceptable under trial conditions. Three factors played a major role: the community’s awareness and perception of the effectiveness of prophylaxis, their trust in the provider, and malaria as a local health concern. The findings highlight how uptake and adherence to prophylaxis are influenced by the perceived balance between benefits and burden of anti-malarials which are modulated by the seasonality of forest visits and its influence on malaria risk. Conclusions The implementation of anti-malarial prophylaxis needs to consider how the preventive medication can be incorporated into existing vector-control measures, malaria testing and treatment services. The next step in the roll out of anti-malarial prophylaxis for forest visitors will require support from local health workers.

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Mosquito Larvicidal Activity of the Essential Oils of Erechtites Species Growing Wild in Vietnam

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects10020047 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 47 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Nguyen Hung ◽

Prabodh Satyal ◽

Ho Hieu ◽

Nguyen Chuong ◽

Do Dai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Vector Control ◽

Larvicidal Activity ◽

Mosquito Control ◽

Low Cost ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Mosquito Vector ◽

Mosquito Larvicidal Activity ◽

Aerial Parts

Mosquito-borne infections are a constant problem in Vietnam, and mosquito vector control is a primary approach to control these infections. Essential oils represent environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides for mosquito control. The essential oils of two weedy species in Vietnam, Erechtites hieraciifolius and E. valerianifolius, have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The essential oils have been screened for mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The essential oil from the aerial parts of E. hieraciifolius was rich in α-pinene (14.5%), limonene (21.4%), and caryophyllene oxide (15.1%), while E. valerianifolius essential oil was dominated by myrcene (47.8%) and α-pinene (30.2%). Both essential oils showed good larvicidal activity against Ae. albopictus (24-h LC50 10.5 and 5.8 μg/mL, respectively) and Ae. aegypti (24-h LC50 10.6 and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively). The essential oil of E. valerianifolius also showed good activity against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae (24-h LC50 = 40.7 μg/mL). Thus, Erechtites essential oils may serve as low-cost vector control agents for mosquito-borne infections.

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Perceptions, attitudes and practices towards scabies in communities on the Bijagós Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.1093/trstmh/trz102 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Maria João Lopes ◽

Eunice Teixeira da Silva ◽

Janete Ca ◽

Adriana Gonçalves ◽

Amabelia Rodrigues ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Community Education ◽

Health Workers ◽

Health Centre ◽

Community Support ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Local Health ◽

Community Members ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Guinea Bissau

Abstract Background Scabies is highly endemic among impoverished populations and has been recently included in the WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Community support and behavioural changes are essential for the success of control interventions. This study aimed to explore beliefs, prevention attitudes and healthcare-seeking behaviours towards scabies in the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau. Methods Data were collected through two methods. Community key informants (community members, community health workers, healthcare workers and traditional healers) were interviewed using snowball sampling. A questionnaire covering perceptions, attitudes and practices was administered to community members using random cluster sampling. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was applied to identify themes. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. Results There was a satisfactory awareness about scabies, but perceptions about disease causation and transmission were imprecise. Misconceptions about personal hygiene as the primary measure for scabies prevention were recurrent. Some participants recognised the importance of early treatment to interrupt transmission. Treatment of close contacts was not considered important. Costs were the main determining factor for treatment choice between traditional healer and the local health centre. Late presentation and delayed treatment were common and associated with poverty and stigmatisation. Scabies impaired quality of life by affecting social interactions, health, fitness to work and school attendance. Conclusions There is a need to improve education, recognition, management and affordable access to treatment. Community education, healthcare workers’ training and skin NTD integrated control programmes should address the challenges highlighted in this study.

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“Maskandi experience”: exploring the use of a cultural song for community engagement in preparation for a pilot Sterile Insect Technique release programme for malaria vector control in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa 2019

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03736-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pinky N. Manana ◽

Sara Jewett ◽

Jabulani Zikhali ◽

Dumsani Dlamini ◽

Nondumiso Mabaso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Community Engagement ◽

Vector Control ◽

Malaria Vector ◽

Sterile Insect Technique ◽

Malaria Vector Control ◽

Community Members ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Male Mosquitoes ◽

Control Tool

Abstract Background An assessment of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as a complementary malaria vector control tool, is at an advanced stage in South Africa. The technique involves the release of laboratory-reared sterilized male mosquitoes of the major malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis, raising social, ethical and regulatory concerns. Therefore, its implementation largely depends on community participation and acceptance. Against this background, it is critical that robust and effective community strategies are developed. This study describes the development of a cultural song to engage the community and increase awareness on SIT and malaria control in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods An exploratory concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted to get opinions about the effectiveness of a cultural song developed to engage communities and increase acceptability of the SIT technology. Two self-administered surveys (expert and community) were conducted. Additionally, more in depth opinions of the song and its effectiveness in conveying the intended information were investigated through three community dialogue sessions with community members in the study area. Results A total of 40 experts and 54 community members participated in the survey. Four themes were identified in relation to the appropriateness and effectiveness of the song, with a fifth theme focused on recommendations for adaptations. Overall, the song was well received with the audience finding it entertaining and informative. Responses to unstructured questions posed after the song showed an increase in the knowledge on malaria transmission and SIT technology. In particular, the explanation that male mosquitoes do not bite allayed anxiety and fears about the SIT technology. Conclusion The song was deemed both culturally appropriate and informative in engaging community members about the SIT technology. It proved useful in promoting health messages and conveying SIT technology as a complementary malaria vector control tool. With minor adaptations, the song has potential as an area-wide community engagement tool in areas targeted for sterile male releases.

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