Mosquito-borne disease knowledge, attitudes, and practices amongst the general population in metropolitan France

Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and the mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) they transmit are spreading throughout France. Yet, research on the perceptions and behaviors of the French population regarding MBDs remains scarce and outdated. To quantify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding MBDs in the metropolitan French population and examine factors influencing MBD protective behavior. In November 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional KAP survey among a quasi-representative sample (n = 2,087) of adults aged 18 to 79 living in metropolitan France. We used mixed-effects models to examine factors influencing the frequency and variety of protective behavior separately. During summer, most participants were bitten by mosquitoes in their daily lives (73%) and engaged in protective behavior a few (39%) or several times per week (41%). Mosquito biting frequency was the most influential determinant of protective behavior. Concern of contracting MBDs (cumulative odds ratio [COR] = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.21) and experiencing financial difficulties (COR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.54) were determinants of protective behavior frequency. Participants reported engaging in a higher variety of protective behaviors if they had greater concern of contracting MBDs (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.06; CI: 1.04, 1.08), had a higher MBD knowledge (IRR = 1.06; CI: 1.04, 1.08), and had a chronic disease (IRR = 1.05; CI: 1.02, 1.07). Concerns of contracting MBDs and MBD knowledge are modifiable factors that influence the frequency and variety of protective behaviors. KAP studies can inform health campaigns and interventions to prevent MBDs.