Awareness and Behavior regarding Mosquito Borne Diseases and Its Correlates among Urban Slum Residents of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal(India)

ABSTRACT Background Mosquito-borne diseases are major public-health problems in overcrowded, polluted areas like slums even after implementation of various measures under the umbrella of National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP). Information about awareness of slum-dwellers and their behaviors towards mosquito-borne diseases are essential for their prevention. This study aimed to assess awareness, preventive and care-seeking behaviors towards mosquito-borne diseases among slum residents of Burdwan Municipality and to check for mosquito-breeding places in and around their houses. Materials and Methods A community-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 226 households of urban field practice areas of the department of Community Medicine, selected through random sampling, with a pre-designed, pre-tested schedule from October 2022 to January 2023. Results The present study revealed that out of a total of 226 households, more than one-fourth (26.5%) had poor awareness regarding the names of diseases caused by mosquitoes. None were aware about the diurnal variation in mosquito biting pattern. More than half (56.6%) had poor awareness about symptoms of malaria and more than one-thirds (35.4%) had poor awareness regarding symptoms of dengue. Majority had poor awareness regarding symptoms of chikungunya, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis i.e. 93.8%, 83.6% and 96.9% respectively. More than two-third (67.7%) had satisfactory awareness regarding preventive methods against mosquito-borne diseases. Majority (90%) used mosquito nets as personal protective behavior. Among the households who had a history of mosquito-borne diseases, only one-thirds (34%) sought health-care within 48 hours of symptoms onset and 83% sought health-care from public facilities. Bivariate analysis using chi-square test revealed socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, education, occupation had significant association with awareness regarding mosquito-borne diseases. Conclusions There is a need for awareness generation and behavior change communication on mosquito-borne diseases, and enhance community participation in implementing preventive measures for the same.