Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding mosquito borne diseases among adults in Udupi District, Karnataka

The mosquito-borne diseases result in avoidable ill-health and death which has been emphasized in Sustainable Development Goals. Despite sincere integrated vector management programs, the incidence of mosquito borne diseases is still increasing, part of which can be attributed to lack of community participation. Hence this study was carried out to understand the level of knowledge of the community, their attitude and practices regarding prevention of mosquito borne diseases.

Across-sectional study was conducted amongurban, rural, slum and tribal areas in Udupi district, Karnataka. A pre designed questionnaire was used to collect the data on socio-demographic characteristics and details regarding knowledge, attitude and practices. The presence of any mosquito larvae and breeding sites were observed and noted. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 16.

A total of 451 families were surveyed. Majority (84%) knew stagnant water is major breeding site for mosquitoes. Nearly half of the population (47.2%) preferred to use mosquito coils and mats to control mosquitoes followed by liquid vaporizer (40.4%). Approximately 60% of the houses did not have stagnant water in the surroundings and 40% of the houses had routine mosquito control activity undertaken by the government or municipality.

The knowledge regarding mosquito borne diseases was inadequate and there is a need to conduct awareness programs regarding the diseases spread by mosquitoes, mainly in the slum and tribal areas and to enhance the community participation in implementing preventive measures for the same.