A cross-sectional study on knowledge and perception about preventive strategies of selected vector-borne diseases among the rural population of coastal Karnataka
Background and Objectives: Malaria and other vector-borne diseases (Dengue, Chikungunya andFilariasis) are a major public health problem in WHO’s South-East Asia Region. Due to the growingresistance to pesticides and drugs, there is a need to set up integrated vector managementstrategies. These strategies should involve local communities in managing the environment todecrease the health risks and increase the sustainability of programmes to control these vector-borne diseases. Hence, an important step in disease management is educating the local communityregarding vector-borne diseases and their prevention. Objectives: To assess the Knowledge &perception regarding preventive strategies of selected vector-borne diseases among the studypopulation. Methods: This study was conducted in two selected villages. A cross-sectional studydesign was used with a sample size of 966. A questionnaire method was used to collect the data.Results: Around 46.5% of them had good knowledge regarding preventive strategies of vector-borne diseases. Whereas, Around 42.2% and 40% of the population had average perception andhigh perception respectively. Conclusion: Even though only half of the population had goodknowledge regarding preventive strategies for vector-borne diseases. Most of them had average tohigh perceptions about preventive strategies. Hence to increase their knowledge many camps andhealth education activities should be conducted on vector-borne diseases and should mainlyemphasize community participation to increase their awareness. So that it leads to better practicewhich in turn will lead to a decrease in vector-borne diseases.