scholarly journals Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Legese ◽  
Tsega Kahsay ◽  
Aderajew Gebrewahd ◽  
Brhane Berhe ◽  
Berhane Fseha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infection. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem of the globe. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0 %). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, hand washing after using the bathroom, hand washing after touching dirty materials, hand washing before food handling and fingernails status were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates was sensitive to ampicillin. On the other hand, low resistance was found for chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers found to be 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers via the food chain. This indicates that the need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.

scholarly journals Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Legese ◽  
Tsega Kahsay ◽  
Aderajew Gebrewahd ◽  
Brhane Berhe ◽  
Berhane Fseha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infections. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem globally. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0 %). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, hand washing after using the bathroom, hand washing after touching dirty materials, hand washing before food handling, and fingernails status were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ampicillin. On the other hand, low resistance was found for chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin.Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers was 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers via the food chain. This indicates that there is a need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.

scholarly journals Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Legese ◽  
Tsega Kahsay ◽  
Aderajew Gebrewahd ◽  
Brhane Berhe ◽  
Berhane Fseha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infections. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem globally. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella colonization among food handlers.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 where a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0 %). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, no hand washing after using the bathroom, no hand washing after touching dirty materials, no hand washing before food handling, and untrimmed fingernails were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, yet low resistance against chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin was found. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers was 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, and drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers. This indicates that there is a need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.

scholarly journals Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Legese ◽  
Tsega Kahsay ◽  
Aderajew Gebrewahd ◽  
Brhane Berhe ◽  
Berhane Fseha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infections. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem globally. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0 %). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only,no hand washing after using the bathroom,no hand washing after touching dirty materials, no hand washing before food handling, and untrimmed fingernails were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ampicillin. On the other hand, low resistance against chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin was found.Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers was 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers via the food chain. This indicates that there is a need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.

scholarly journals Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, northern Ethiopia, 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Legese ◽  
Tsega Kahsay ◽  
Aderajew Gebrewahd ◽  
Brhane Berhe ◽  
Berhane Fseha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infections. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem globally. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella colonization among food handlers. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 where a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0%). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, no hand washing after using the bathroom, no hand washing after touching dirty materials, no hand washing before food handling, and untrimmed fingernails were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, yet low resistance against chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin was found. Conclusion The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers was 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, and drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers. This indicates that there is a need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.

scholarly journals Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Legese ◽  
Tsega Kahsay ◽  
Aderajew Gebrewahd ◽  
Brhane Berhe ◽  
Berhane Fseha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infection. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem globally. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0%). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, hand washing after using the bathroom, hand washing after touching dirty materials, hand washing before food handling and fingernails status were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates was sensitive to ampicillin. On the other hand, low resistance was found for chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers was 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers via the food chain. This indicates that there is a need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.

scholarly journals Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Legese ◽  
Tsega Kahsay ◽  
Aderajew Gebrewahd ◽  
Birhane Berhe ◽  
Berhane Fiseha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Susceptibility Patterns

Abstract Background : Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infection. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem of the globe. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0 %). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, hand washing after using the bathroom, hand washing after touching dirty materials, hand washing before food handling and fingernails status were significant associated risk factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ampicillin. On the other hand, low resistance was found for chloramphenicol , ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers found to be 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such infected food handlers can contaminate food, drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers via the food chain. This indicates that the need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.

scholarly journals Prevalence and associated factors of scabies among schoolchildren in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia, 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henok Dagne ◽  
Awrajaw Dessie ◽  
Bikes Destaw ◽  
Walelegn Worku Yallew ◽  
Zemichael Gizaw
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level

Abstract Background Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei that causes a pruritic skin eruption. In Ethiopia, the disease is common especially during natural or manmade disasters such as flooding, drought, civil war and conflict, poor water supply and sanitation, and overcrowding living condition. Though scabies is becoming a major public health problem, especially in low resource settings, there has been no study that reported the prevalence of scabies in the study area. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the prevalence of scabies and associated factors among students in primary schools in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia. Method An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed to determine the prevalence of scabies and associated factors among schoolchildren in Dabat district. A total of 494 students selected by a multi-stage sampling technique were included in this study. Scabies was diagnosed by medical practitioners based on lesions observed on body surfaces after a physical examination. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. Significance level was obtained at p value < 0.05. Result The prevalence of scabies was 9.3% (46/494) with 95% CI (5.66%, 12.94%). Among schoolchildren who were infested by scabies, 65.22% (30/46) had a mild, 28.26% (13/46) had moderate, and 6.52% (3/46) had severe lesions. Studying at a rural school (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.33, 6.71), had illiterate father (AOR = 5.11, 95% CI 2.25, 11.58), being grade level 1–4 (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI 1.69, 9.05), rarely taking a bath (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI 1.36, 9.25), contact with a person with itching symptom (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI 1. 21, 5.83), a family member with itchy symptoms (AOR = 4.76, 95% CI 2.20, 10.28), not living with both parents (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.02, 6.06), and using water only for hand washing (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI 1.78, 10.76) were factors associated with scabies infestation among schoolchildren. Conclusion The prevalence of human scabies among schoolchildren in Dabat district northwest Ethiopia was high. The school localization, first cycle level of education, paternal educational status, frequency of taking a bath, and contact with a person having itchy lesions, presence of a family member with itchy lesion, and type of frequently used hand washing material were the factors significantly impacting the occurrence of scabies. Special attention should be given to students at first cycle education as they are at the highest risk of infestation.

scholarly journals Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University Student’s cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia: an institution based cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birhan Alemnew ◽  
Yalemzewud Belay ◽  
Asmamaw Demis
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections

Abstract Abstract Objectives: the main of this study was to assess the Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University Student’s cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia. An Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 256 food handlers, Northern Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling were used to select study participants Results: A total of 256 food handlers were enrolled making the overall magnitude of intestinal parasite which was stool specimens positive for different diagnostic stages of parasites was found to be 43(16.8%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasites 14(5.5%), followed by Giardia lamblia 10(3.9%). Lack of food safety training (AOR = 6.58; 95%CI: 2.46–17.62), no regular medical checkup (AOR=2.41; 95 %CI: 1.47-4.24), no hand washing practice after toilet by soap (AOR =3.24; 95%CI: 1.28-8.19), no hand washing practice before eating by soap (AOR =4.03; 95%CI: 1.64-9.91) and haven’t food preparation license (AOR= 6.13; 95 % CI: 2.18-17.22) were significantly associated with parasitic infection among food handlers. Keywords: Intestinal parasites, Food handlers, Student cafeteria, Woldia University

scholarly journals Opportunistic Infections and Associated Factors among HIV/AIDS Patients taking Ante-Retroviral Therapy at Selected Hospitals in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demelash Wachamo ◽  
Fisseha Bonja
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background Opportunistic infections are late complications of HIV infection is the depletion of the immune system. It is a major public health problem and high morbidity AIDS patients die of AIDS-related infections in developing countries like Ethiopia. Identification of opportunistic infections (OIs) is important to develop a specific intervention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the burden and associated factors of opportunistic infections.Method A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected HIV/AIDS patients taking anti-retroviral therapy. Data was collected from selected hospitals in Sidama Zone based on population proportion to size. Data was collected by a pre-tested questionnaire and a pre-tested checklist from the medical records of patients. Data entry and analyzed for descriptive and logistic regression models by SPSS v.23. The result declared as statistically significant at p < 0.05.Result The magnitude of opportunistic infections was 39.6%. Major identified OIs was oral candidacies 23.2%, recurrent bacterial pneumonia 21.5%, Herpes zoster 6.3%, and Pulmonary Tuberculosis 6.0%.The magnitude of opportunistic associated with; older age [AOR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.33-5.43], No formal education [AOR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.06-9.25], Low monthly income [AOR=2.27, 95%CI:1.35-3.83], initial CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 [AOR=1.91, 95% CI:1.05-3.46), WHO clinical stage II [AOR=2.43, 95% CI:1.34-4.42] and stage III and IV [AOR=4.27, 95% CI: 2.12-8.59], had no extra medicine additional to ART (prophylaxis) had [AOR= 5.91, 95% CI: 3.31-10.56], who interrupt ART medicines [AOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.09- 3.80] and Khat chewing [AOR=5.48, 95% CI: 2.32-12.96] when compared to their counterparts.Conclusions The overall magnitude of opportunistic infections was high when compared with other studies. Health officials and clinicians need to give attention on the strengthening of the provision if ART with prophylaxis on early-stage and adhrerence, implementation of the TB/HIV collaboration activity, and early initiation of ART to reduce opportunistic infections.

Environmental Vector Control Practices among Households of Patients with Dengue Fever during the Epidemic of 2018 in Kerala, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
Chintha Sujatha ◽  
Reshma Rajan Sudha ◽  
Sreejith Lalitha Krishnankutty ◽  
Prajitha Kannamkottapilly Chandrasekharan
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breeding Habitats

BACKGROUND Dengue fever is a major public health problem in Kerala. Vector control measures practiced at household level is the most cost-effective way of controlling dengue. This study aims to assess environmental measures of vector control practised among households of suspected or confirmed dengue patients in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. METHODS A cross sectional study was done among households of patients diagnosed with dengue fever and reported in Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in Thiruvananthapuram district from June to December 2018. Investigators interviewed the household members and made direct observations to collect data on vector control practices using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 108 houses were surveyed. Potential breeding habitats were found in 58 (53.7 %) houses. Aedes larva was found in containers from four (3.7 %) houses. Dry day observance was not regular with only 5 (4.6 %) houses practicing it weekly. Waste management practiced was proper in 47 (43.5 %) houses. Community level pre monsoon preparedness for epidemics was done in the vicinity of 53 (49.1 %) houses and it was found to be a protective factor against presence of breeding habitats in and around houses (p = 0.013). Low education (p = 0.012) and low occupational status (p = 0.017) were found to be significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Even during an epidemic, with occurrence of infections in the family, only half of the households are practising adequate vector control methods. Community level interventions and targeted information education campaign will help improve practice of environmental methods of vector control in dengue. KEYWORDS Dengue, Vector Control, Aedes Control, Environmental Methods, Community Interventions

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document