STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE FOLLOWED AGAINST MOSQUITO BORNE DISEASES IN AN URBAN AREA OF TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, INDIA
*Dr. Praveena Daya A. and Dr. Karthikeyan G.
ABSTRACT
Background: Public awareness is essential for coordinating with the outreach activites of government like source reduction, for reducing the morbidity and for attaining zero mortality because of vector borne diseases. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices followed against mosquito borne diseases among 200 adults aged more than 18 years residing in an Urban Health centre area of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu, South India. Results: Among the 200 participants, 98% believed mosquito bite can cause diseases. Out of 200, 52% mentioned dengue as the common mosquito borne disease followed by Malaria (37%). Regarding the breeding places of mosquitoes, 31% believed it to be open drainage and 68% felt it was stagnant water. Out of 200, 30.5% were not aware of day biting habit of mosquitoes, 91.5% were using personal protective measures against mosquitoes and coils (48%) were commonly used. Conclusion: Most of the participants in the current study were aware of mosquito borne diseases, but there are some lacunae in knowledge in certain aspects like day biting habit of mosquitoes, regarding breeding sites which are essential to reduce their risk.
Keywords: Vectors, mosquito borne diseases, dengue, malaria, breeding sites.
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