Community perception regarding mosquito-borne diseases in Karnataka state, India
Kumar, K.R.; Gururaj, G.
Dengue Bulletin 30: 270-277
2006
Document Number: 258772
A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study was carried out in an urban and a rural area in Karnataka state of India with the objective of determining the perceived risk by the community of mosquito-borne infectious diseases and the level of knowledge regarding mosquitoes. The study brought out that more than 90% of the people interviewed perceived mosquitoes as a problem. However, this perception was with regard to the nuisance value of mosquito bites rather than their disease-causing potential. Malaria was known as the main disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Quite a large number of people did not know where the mosquitoes bred. Those who knew mentioned drains and stagnant water as the main breeding sites. More than one third of the interviewees did not know of any preventive measures against mosquitoes at the community level. More than 75% were taking some kind of personal prophylactic measures against mosquito bites. Approaches based on social mobilization and communication aimed at bringing behaviour change in the communities are stressed.