Publication:

A study of mosquito borne diseases awareness, attitude and practices among the rural population in Karnataka, India

Background All over the world mosquito borne diseases are responsible for a large number of morbidity and mortality. A study showed that there are about 350-500 million cases of malaria annually, with the outcome of 1 million deaths. Although there are around 3500 species of mosquitoes tracked down to tropical and subtropical regions of the world only a hand full of species cause most of the vector borne diseases. The objective of this study was to study people’s awareness, attitude and practice about mosquito borne disease in rural areas of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of Manjanady, Asaigoli, and Kuthar villages during the rainy season in 2016. Through systemic random sampling a total of 200 houses were selected. After obtaining informed consent, the participants were administered a pre-tested, structured questionnaire at the time of first visit for the collection of data.

Results A large majority of subjects about 86% said that polluted water was a breeding place for mosquitoes, 89.5% thought malaria was spread by mosquitoes, 84.5% said that fever and rigor is the most common symptom, 48.5% said that the health authorities had not conducted active surveillance. Also 41.5% visit general practitioner for consulting on their health issues and 65% of the subjects used mosquito coil as a protective measure.

Conclusions Intensified efforts should be made to create public awareness and mobilize the community in the preventive measures against mosquito borne diseases.