Publication:

Evaluating community needs and the effect of community-based intervention in preventing dengue and chikungunya in urban hotspots of Jammu city: a mixed-method study

Background Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) remain a major public health concern in India especially with its diverse climate patterns and densely populated urban environments. Understanding community needs and gaps in awareness is crucial for designing interventions that are acceptable and effective. This study aims to evaluate community needs and assess the impact of community-based preventive strategies to reduce the disease burden in urban hotspots of Jammu region.

Methods The study was conducted over a period of two months in four selected areas. This study adopted a mixed-methods research design to obtain a comprehensive understanding of VBDs among the community, with a specific focus on Dengue and Chikungunya.

Results A total of 682 participants were assessed for the knowledge, attitude and practices. Most participants correctly identified mosquito transmission and key symptoms, though gaps existed regarding breeding sites and resting habits. A significant proportion overestimated the effectiveness of fogging alone. Government facilities were the preferred choice for treatment, though home remedies were still practiced. Focus group discussions with sanitary workers and Malaria workers highlighted strong community resistance, poor risk perception, and non-cooperation as major barriers to dengue control. Operational challenges included manpower shortages, salary disparities, and inadequate protective equipment, leading to demotivation and health risks. The findings point to behavioural and infrastructure-related constraints affecting effective vector control.

Conclusions The study demonstrates good awareness but inconsistent preventive practices for dengue and chikungunya, influenced by misconceptions and low risk perception. Community resistance, socio-economic constraints, and operational challenges faced by frontline workers limit effective control.