Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Rural Communities on Dengue & Evaluating the Most Effective IEC Method for Its Prevention and Control in Delhi

Background: Aedes mosquito prevalence in rural settings of Delhi isstrongly related to the changing lifestyle and ongoing urbanisation inrural areas. Adequate awareness of dengue - its signs and symptomshelp in curbing the disease and seeking early and appropriate medicalassistance to save lives.Methods: The study was conducted in rural areas of 3 zones namelyNarela zone, Najafgarh zone and Civil Lines zone of the MunicipalCorporation of Delhi. For assessing the most suitable InformationEducation & Communication (IEC) activity, the knowledge level of selected individuals was assessed using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. It was followed by different IEC package materials. Based on the responses of villagers, the total score of eachvillager was calculated. If the mean score of individuals was more than50% then the villager was marked as having average awareness.Result: Around 72% of individuals lack awareness regarding Aedesmosquito breeding habitats and its role, being the vector agent fordengue fever. Fever was reported by 59% of the study population.Mosquito-repellent coils and mats were used by 33% of respondents.Almost all of them used it during nighttime. Awareness about symptomsof dengue fever improved from 26% of villagers in pre-IEC to 84% ofvillagers in the post-IEC survey through the chaupal meeting methodof IEC as compared to other IEC methods.Conclusion: This study can be an important source of baselineinformation. Based on the findings of this study, now MCD may focuson IEC campaigning through chaupal meetings with villagers to controlthe transmission of diseases in villages. How to cite this article:Handa A, Ahir S P, Verma L R. Knowledge, Attitudes,and Practices (KAP) of Rural Communities onDengue & Evaluating the Most Effective IECMethod for Its Prevention and Control in Delhi.J Commun Dis. 2025;57(1):131-136. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202517