Effectiveness of Positive Deviance, an Asset-Based Behavior Change Approach, to Improve Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Dengue in Low-Income Communities (Slums) of Islamabad, Pakistan: A Mixed-Method Study

Dengue is a mosquito-borne, viral disease that has emerged as a global health concern in recent years. In the absence of specific antiviral treatment and vaccines, prevention remains the key strategy for dengue control. Therefore, innovative and community-driven approaches are required to improve the vector control practices. This study applied and evaluated the positive deviance (PD) approach on dengue prevention and control in selected slums of Islamabad during June–October 2020. The two most dengue-affected slums, the Faisal colony and France colony, were purposively selected as intervention and control groups, respectively. A total of 112 participants (56 for the intervention and 56 for the control group) participated in the study. The intervention group was exposed for two months to locally identified role model behaviors through weekly interactive sessions, dengue sketch competitions, and role plays. Another two months enabled the community to practice these behaviors without any external support in order to explore the intervention’s sustainability. Three surveys were conducted: before the intervention, after two months, and after four months, to assess any changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of participating communities. Results found that the PD intervention had a significant positive impact on dengue knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the intervention group. PD could offer an empowering and efficient community engagement tool for future dengue prevention and control, both in Pakistan and more globally.

Efektifitas kegiatan pelatihan pembuatan ovitrap DBD pada santri Pondok Pesantren Al Falah Banjarbaru

The negative impact of the insecticides usage triggers the development of new methods other than insecticides, one f them is ovitrap tools (mosquito egg traps). The use of ovitrap as part of dengue prevention efforts has proven to be easy, cheap, safe for health and environmentally friendly. Ovitrap is effective in reducing mosquito populations. The purpose of the activity is to analyze the knowledge, attitudes and actions of students in the use of ovitrap as an effort to control Aedes sp mosquito larvae after the implementation of health counseling activities and demonstrations of making Ovitrap. All students at Pondok Pesantren Al Falah Putera became the population. As many as 96 students who were willing and involved in this activity became the research sample. McNemar test showed significant results on knowledge (0.018), attitude (0.033) and action (0.00). The making andthe use of Ovitrap socialization still needs to be sought in order to increase the Santri knowlwege.. It is hoped that this activity can be implemented every year as an effort to reduce the risk of dengue fever in Banjarbaru Cit

Endemicity of Dengue with Density Figure and Maya Index in Bengkulu City, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: One of the factors contributing to dengue’s endemicity is the density of the dengue vector, namely, Aedes aegypti as the primary vector and Aedes albopictus as the secondary vector. Bentiring and Kandang Limun villages are high endemic areas of dengue. AIM: This study aimed to determine the relationship between dengue endemicity and density figure (DF) and Maya index (MI) in Bentiring and Kandang Limun villages, Bengkulu city. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique used proportionate stratified sampling. The sampling refers to the guidelines for dengue entomology surveys according to the WHO 1999 criteria. A total of 400 ovitraps were installed, 200 ovitraps inside the house and 200 ovitraps outside the house. RESULTS: The results showed that Bentiring and Kandang Limun villages had a high risk of dengue transmission based on entomological parameters, namely, ovitrap index (OI) 56% and 55% (DF 6), house index (HI) 45% and 44% (DF 6), container index (CI) 23% and 23% (DF 6), and BI 96% and 120% (DF 7 and 8). The areas have a high risk of dengue transmission based on the MI 71% and 76%, respectively. There is a relationship between dengue endemicity and entomological index in Bentiring and Kandang Limun villages, Bengkulu city, with a significance value (p = 0.000) and a powerful correlation (r = 1.000). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between dengue endemicity and the MI in Bentiring village and Kandang Limun village, Bengkulu city, with a significance value (p = 0.014 and 0.058) and a powerful correlation (r = 0.920 and r = 1.000), respectively. The entomological index and DF are predictors for dengue prevention and control environment to minimize mosquito breeding sites and reduce disease transmission.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practice on Dengue and Dengue Seroprevalence in a Dengue Hotspot in Sabah, East Malaysia

Background: Dengue, a major global public health concern, is growing more prevalent. Extensive measures have been undertaken to prevent and control dengue transmission in Malaysia including understanding and modification of human behaviour. This study was designed to assist in planning an effective health intervention for dengue by measuring residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) in hotspot areas of Sabah, East Malaysia. Methods: A community-based and cross-sectional study was conducted at dengue hotspot area in Sabah involving 463 residents (aged 18 years and above). Information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the residents and their KAP towards dengue was collected using a structured pre-validated questionnaire developed by the researchers. In addition, residents were invited to participate in a dengue seroprevalence study using dengue Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA kit. Results: Most of the residents correctly identified common signs and symptoms of dengue such as fever (84.4%), chills (70.7%), and nausea or vomiting (56.0%). Nearly half of the residents (51.3%) had good knowledge, 66.0% had a positive attitude, and 63.7% had a positive practice for dengue prevention and control, respectively. The dengue seroprevalence study included 200 of the 463 residents; IgG and IgM seropositivity was 74.1% (n = 63) and 7.1% (n = 6) respectively. Based on logistic regression analysis, local and migrants differs considerably in terms of their knowledge and attitude toward dengue prevention and control, while gender and level of education were predictive of practice level (p<0.05) among all sociodemographic variables examined. Knowledge was correlated with attitude (p<0.0001) and practice (p< 0.0014). Discussion: To combat dengue epidemics in the hotspot area of Sabah, a proactive and behavioural changes among residents, are required. To effectively prevent and manage dengue transmission, a collaborative effort of government sectors, private sectors, housing residential committees, and community residents is essential.

Updates on Dengue Vaccine and Antiviral: Where Are We Heading?

Approximately 100–400 million people from more than 100 countries in the tropical and subtropical world are affected by dengue infections. Recent scientific breakthroughs have brought new insights into novel strategies for the production of dengue antivirals and vaccines. The search for specific dengue inhibitors is expanding, and the mechanisms for evaluating the efficacy of novel drugs are currently established, allowing for expedited translation into human trials. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the only FDA-approved vaccine, Dengvaxia, a safer and more effective dengue vaccine candidate is making its way through the clinical trials. Until an effective antiviral therapy and licensed vaccine are available, disease monitoring and vector population control will be the mainstays of dengue prevention. In this article, we highlighted recent advances made in the perspectives of efforts made recently, in dengue vaccine development and dengue antiviral drug.

Community Behavior Patterns That Influence The Causes of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in The Pondok Petir Elementary Region

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a disease caused by the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito infected with one of the four types of dengue virus with clinical manifestations of fever, muscle aches, and/or joint pain accompanied by leukopenia, rash, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic diathesis. In dengue hemorrhagic fever, plasma leakage occurs which is characterized by hemoconcentration (increased hematocrit) or fluid accumulation in body cavities (World Health Organization). Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Penyakit (DHF) is still one of the main public health problems in Indonesia. The number of sufferers and the area of ​​spread of DHF is increasing along with the increase in mobility and population density, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas (Kemenkes RI, 2010). At the beginning of 2019, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) again increased in several areas, even becoming an Extraordinary Event (KLB) status. In January 2019 there were 15,132 DHF sufferers with 145 people dying in 34 provinces. This figure is twice as high as the figure at the end of January 2018 which recorded 6,167 DHF sufferers with 43 people dying. To find out the behavioral factors of DHF disease in the community in the Pondok Petir sub-district area in 2020. Research Setting: According to data in 2019, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) has increased again in several areas, even becoming an Extraordinary Event (KLB) status. In January 2019 there were 15,132 DHF sufferers with 145 people dying in 34 provinces. This figure is twice as high as the figure at the end of January 2018 which recorded 6,167 DHF sufferers with 43 people dying. East Java, West Java, and DKI Jakarta are the three provinces that experienced an increase in the number of dengue cases compared to the previous year. This research uses the Simple Random Sampling technique. This study studied the incidence of dengue in children to adults (dependent variable), with respondent characteristics (age, history of dengue disease), counseling (knowledge), attitudes (family attitudes), and behavioral patterns (behavior of health workers, rarely monitoring larvae). mosquitoes, distribution of abate powder, fogging activities), and increasing community participation in dengue prevention (independent variable). To obtain the data, an in-depth interview and document review approach was conducted with the community at Pondok Petir. This research was conducted at Pondok Petir, South Tangerang in June 2021. The sub-categories in this study were DHF, Age, History of DHF, Knowledge, Family Attitude, Behavioral Patterns, Behavioral Patterns of Health Workers, Rarely Monitoring Mosquito Larvae, Distribution of Abate Powder, Fogging Activities, Facilities, Facilities, Increased Participation Society in Dengue Prevention. It takes a lot of education to the people of Pondok Petir to make people aware of the importance of knowing about DHF. The most effective and efficient prevention of dengue fever to date is the Mosquito Nest Eradication (PSN) activity using 3M Plus, namely: 1) Draining, is cleaning places that are often used as water reservoirs such as bathtubs, water buckets, water reservoirs drinking water, water reservoirs, refrigerators, etc. 2) Closing, namely closing water reservoirs such as drums, jugs, water towers, and so on; and 3) Reusing or recycling used goods that have the potential to become breeding grounds for dengue-transmitting mosquitoes.

Land use and land cover change and its impacts on dengue dynamics in China: A systematic review

Background Dengue is a prioritized public health concern in China. Because of the larger scale, more frequent and wider spatial distribution, the challenge for dengue prevention and control has increased in recent years. While land use and land cover (LULC) change was suggested to be associated with dengue, relevant research has been quite limited. The “Open Door” policy introduced in 1978 led to significant LULC change in China. This systematic review is the first to review the studies on the impacts of LULC change on dengue dynamics in China. This review aims at identifying the research evidence, research gaps and provide insights for future research. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA protocol. The combinations of search terms on LULC, dengue and its vectors were searched in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Baidu Scholar. Research conducted on China published from 1978 to December 2019 and written in English or Chinese was selected for further screening. References listed in articles meeting the inclusion criteria were also reviewed and included if again inclusion criteria were met to minimize the probability of missing relevant research. Results 28 studies published between 1978 and 2017 were included for the full review. Guangdong Province and southern Taiwan were the major regional foci in the literature. The majority of the reviewed studies observed associations between LULC change factors and dengue incidence and distribution. Conflictive evidence was shown in the studies about the impacts of green space and blue space on dengue in China. Transportation infrastructure and urbanization were repeatedly suggested to be positively associated with dengue incidence and spread. The majority of the studies reviewed considered meteorological and sociodemographic factors when they analyzed the effects of LULC change on dengue. Primary and secondary remote sensing (RS) data were the primary source for LULC variables. In 21 of 28 studies, a geographic information system (GIS) was used to process data of environmental variables and dengue cases and to perform spatial analysis of dengue. Conclusions The effects of LULC change on the dynamics of dengue in China varied in different periods and regions. The application of RS and GIS enriches the means and dimensions to explore the relations between LULC change and dengue. Further comprehensive regional research is necessary to assess the influence of LULC change on local dengue transmission to provide practical advice for dengue prevention and control.

A study on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever, its prevention and management among dengue patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked dengue as one of the top ten threats to Global health in 2019. Sri Lanka faced a massive dengue epidemic in 2017, the largest outbreak in the country during the last three decades, consisting of 186,101 reported cases, and over 320 deaths. The epidemic was controlled by intense measures taken by the health sector. However, the reported dengue cases and dengue deaths in 2019 were significantly higher than that of 2018. Deaths were mostly due to delay in hospitalization of severe dengue patients. The mortality of dengue hemorrhagic fever is 2–5% if detected early and treated promptly, but is high as 20% if left untreated. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among patients with dengue fever presenting to the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital during October 2019. Data was collected using a questionnaire comprising 20 questions based on knowledge, attitudes and practices on dengue, which were categorized into questions on awareness of mortality and severity of dengue burden, prevention of dengue vector mosquito breeding and acquiring the infection, patient’s role in dengue management, and warning signs requiring prompt hospitalization. Results The mean KAP score on all questions was 55%, while a majority of 65.2% patients scored moderate KAP scores (50–75%) on all questions, and only 7.6% had high KAP scores (> 75%). The highest categorical mean score of 62% was on awareness of dengue prevention, followed by 54% on awareness of dengue burden, and only 51% on dengue management. Only 5.3% patients scored high scores on awareness of dengue management, followed by 28.5%, and 40.9% patients scoring high scores on awareness of dengue burden, and awareness of prevention of dengue respectively. The mean KAP scores on all questions increased with increasing age category. Conclusion The population relatively has a better awareness of dengue prevention, as compared to awareness of dengue mortality and dengue management. The identified weak point is patient awareness of the patients’ role in dengue management, and identifying warning signs requiring prompt hospitalization. This results in delay in treatment, which is a major cause for increased mortality. There was a correlation between those who had good knowledge on dengue burden and those who were aware of patients’ role in dengue management. An action plan should be implemented to improve public awareness through education programs on the role of the public and patients in dengue management to drive a better outcome.

Learning-by-Teaching Approach Improves Dengue Knowledge in Children and Parents

There is narrow evidence on which strategies are most effective for disseminating information on dengue prevention. This is particularly relevant because social habits have a great prevention capacity for dengue. We investigated how effective are children as health educators, and how much they learn as they teach. We recruited 142 children and 97 parents in Argentina’s tropical area for two cluster randomized parallel trials. In Study 1, we compared the dynamics of dengue knowledge of 10-year-old children who—after receiving a dengue talk—1) listened to an unrelated topic; 2) read a booklet with information about dengue, 3) taught their parents about dengue, or 4) taught their parents about dengue, using the booklet. In Study 2, we assessed whether the parents’ dengue knowledge changed after interacting with their children, in comparison with parents learning about dengue from an expert or about an unrelated topic. Children that taught their parents what they learned, using a booklet, showed 2.53 more correct responses (95% CI [0.20, 4.85]; P = 0.027) than children who listened to an unrelated topic. This style of teaching also serves to effectively propagate knowledge: parents learned from their children the same as from an expert; and significantly more than parents who learned about an unrelated topic. Parents learned from their children even if they were taught with booklets (1.49, 95% CI [0.01, 2.96]; P = 0.048) or without (1.94, 95% CI [0.44, 3.44]; P = 0.006). Specifically, after being taught by their children, parents showed on average 1.49 (if they were taught with a booklet) and 1.94 (without booklet) more correct responses than parents that learned about an unrelated topic. The simple action of prompting children to teach consolidated their own knowledge and broadcasted it effectively to their parents. This strategy is a potential low to no-cost method for sharing information about dengue prevention.