The Impact of Solid Waste Management Practices on Vector-Borne Disease Risk in Thiruvanathapuram

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs), including dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, present ongoing public health challenges, particularly in urban areas of tropical regions. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, has seen a concerning rise in VBD cases, correlating with the city's rapid urbanization and inadequate solid waste management (SWM) practices. Poorly managed waste contributes to the proliferation of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, by providing ideal breeding grounds, thereby exacerbating the risk of disease transmission. Despite the known association between inadequate SWM and VBDs, there is a paucity of localized studies that quantitatively examine this relationship in Thiruvananthapuram. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the impact of existing SWM practices on the incidence of VBDs in the city. The findings aim to inform public health strategies and policy interventions that can mitigate the risk of VBDs through improved waste management. This cross-sectional study was conducted across 20 wards in Thiruvananthapuram, selected based on their varying levels of SWM effectiveness and reported VBD cases. Data collection involved field surveys to assess SWM practices, structured interviews with residents, and observational studies to identify potential breeding sites for vectors. Health records were analyzed to map the distribution of VBD cases in these wards. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were employed to explore the relationship between SWM practices and VBD incidence. The study revealed a significant correlation between poor SWM practices and elevated VBD risk. Wards with inadequate waste management infrastructure exhibited a 40% higher incidence of dengue and chikungunya cases compared to areas with better-managed waste disposal systems (p < 0.01). Notably, 65% of households in the high-risk wards were found to dispose of waste improperly, contributing to the creation of vector breeding sites. Additionally, only 42% of residents were aware of the link between improper waste disposal and increased VBD risk, highlighting a critical gap in public awareness. This study concludes that inadequate SWM practices are a major contributor to the elevated risk of VBDs in Thiruvananthapuram. Addressing these challenges through improved waste management infrastructure and increased public awareness is crucial for reducing disease incidence. The outcomes of this research provide essential insights for local authorities and policymakers, emphasizing the urgent need for effective interventions to combat VBDs in urban areas.