Chintha Sujatha1, Reshma Rajan Sudha2, Sreejith Lalitha Krishnankutty3, Prajitha Kannamkottapilly Chandrasekharan4
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.
