Transforming community behaviour to reduce malaria and dengue risks: Evidence from a quasi-experimental health education intervention in rural West Bengal

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Malaria and dengue remain major public health concerns in rural India due to low literacy and environmental risks. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured health education intervention in improving community knowledge and preventive practices in rural Singur, West Bengal. METHODS: A community-based quasi-experimental study was conducted from July 2024 to October 2025 among 144 adults selected from two purposively chosen high-risk rural villages. Baseline data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and field observations. A gap-based health education intervention, developed using IEC guidelines, was delivered through structured group sessions. Post-intervention assessment was conducted after three months. Data were analysed using Jamovi version 2.6.13, and pre-post differences in composite scores were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Of the 144 participants, the median age was 40 years, 53.5% were male, 34.7% had primary-level education, and 37.5% belonged to the lower socioeconomic class. Baseline assessment showed misconceptions regarding aetiology, transmission and diagnosis of malaria and dengue. Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in knowledge (median score: 43 to 53, p < 0.001) and practices (median score: 3 to 7, p < 0.001). A stronger positive correlation between knowledge and practices was noted post-intervention (Spearman's ρ = 0.889, p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The health education intervention substantially improved knowledge and enhanced adoption of protective behaviours against malaria and dengue in this rural setting. Sustained, community-based educational strategies integrated with broader policy and environmental measures are essential to strengthen vector-borne disease prevention and reduce future transmission.