Publication:

A cross sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practices regarding vector borne diseases in the urban field practice area of a medical college

Background Vector borne diseases are more prevalent in third world countries and are on an upward trend. The objectives were to study the demographic profile of the study population and assess their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding vector borne diseases.

Methods This is a cross sectional study done on 259 study subjects, conducted in July 2017 in the field practice area of the urban health centre of Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences. A convenient sample of 250 was decided to be covered over a period of one month. A total of 259 subjects could be interviewed.

Results Majority were educated up to high school (48.25). Majority of female subjects were homemakers (77.2%) and majority of the males were skilled workers (33.7%). A total of 207 study subjects were found to have mosquito breeding places in their surroundings. Majority (28.5%) had open garbage bins with stagnant water as the chief source of mosquitos. Majority (89.2%) could name at least one disease spread by mosquitos and they mostly got their information from TV and newspaper (77.9%). Most common preventive measures followed by was mosquito mesh and screens (53.5%).

Conclusions Knowledge levels of the populations must be increased through various information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns.