Abstract
Background: Dengue Fever presents a significant and growing burden of disease to endemic countries, where children are at particular risk. Since no vaccine or effective
treatment is available, vector control is key for disease prevention. This qualitative study aimed to explore caregivers' perceptions of dengue control in Peru, to help direct
future mosquito control programmes and strategy.
Methods: Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in one health centre in Iquitos, Peru. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated by an independent translator. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.
Findings: Three core analytic themes were interpreted: (1) awareness of dengue and its control, (2) perceived susceptibility of groups, and (3) impact of perceived responsibility. Caregivers were aware of dengue symptoms, transmission and larvae eradication strategies. Misconceptions about the day-time biting behaviour of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and confusion with other mosquito-borne diseases influenced preventative practice. Participants felt powerless to prevent dengue since the invisible mosquito, perceived ineffective prevention methods, and jungle environment made the disease seem inevitable. However, children and rural communities were believed to be most vulnerable. Caregivers believed the government or health centre was responsible for community protection against dengue and recognised a community-wide lack of
cooperation with preventative practices.
Conclusions: Perceptions of dengue control amongst caregivers were important in shaping their likelihood to participate in preventative practices. There is a need to address the perceived lack of community cooperation through strategies creating a sense of ownership of community control and enhancing social responsibility. The belief that dengue cannot be prevented by individual actions in a community also warrants attention. Specific misconceptions about dengue should be addressed through the community health worker system and further research directed to identify the needs of certain vulnerable groups.
treatment is available, vector control is key for disease prevention. This qualitative study aimed to explore caregivers' perceptions of dengue control in Peru, to help direct
future mosquito control programmes and strategy.
Methods: Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in one health centre in Iquitos, Peru. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated by an independent translator. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.
Findings: Three core analytic themes were interpreted: (1) awareness of dengue and its control, (2) perceived susceptibility of groups, and (3) impact of perceived responsibility. Caregivers were aware of dengue symptoms, transmission and larvae eradication strategies. Misconceptions about the day-time biting behaviour of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and confusion with other mosquito-borne diseases influenced preventative practice. Participants felt powerless to prevent dengue since the invisible mosquito, perceived ineffective prevention methods, and jungle environment made the disease seem inevitable. However, children and rural communities were believed to be most vulnerable. Caregivers believed the government or health centre was responsible for community protection against dengue and recognised a community-wide lack of
cooperation with preventative practices.
Conclusions: Perceptions of dengue control amongst caregivers were important in shaping their likelihood to participate in preventative practices. There is a need to address the perceived lack of community cooperation through strategies creating a sense of ownership of community control and enhancing social responsibility. The belief that dengue cannot be prevented by individual actions in a community also warrants attention. Specific misconceptions about dengue should be addressed through the community health worker system and further research directed to identify the needs of certain vulnerable groups.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases |
| Publication status | Submitted - 18 Nov 2016 |
