The threat of dengue fever in Bangladesh: factors of dengue vector abundance, productivity, and the role of knowledge and attitude in disease control in Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Date
2019
Authors
Islam, Sabrina
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Abstract
Dengue is one of the fast growing arboviral diseases in the tropics. Because there is currently no cure or vaccine, dengue prevention requires a focus on effective vector control. Recognizing that previous studies on dengue have typically examined the effects of different factors on vector abundance or incidence of dengue cases separately, the present study adopts a holistic approach examining the climate-vector-disease relationships. My research investigated the effects of climatic factors on vector abundance and dengue cases; productivity of various containers of Aedes mosquitoes at household premises; and the prevailing knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and practices (KAAP) of community members regarding dengue and their willingness to pay (WTP) for vector control in Dhaka, Bangladesh. An entomological survey was carried out in 727 randomly selected households in 12 wards of Dhaka city representing four urban ecological zones - to measure container productivity and mosquito density, the effects of household ecological factors, and human behavioural factors. In addition, a survey of 330 household heads was conducted to collect data on their KAAP. The container productivity was measured using the zero-inflated negative binomial model. Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were then applied to investigate factors associated with WTP and other variables in the KAAP study. The study found strong evidence for an increase in Aedes abundance during monsoon seasonal increases in temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall, with a subsequent increase in dengue cases. Container size, shade and type of water were found to be significant factors for pupae production. The Stegomyia indices varied significantly between urban zones, revealing paved and built areas with concentrated public/commercial services to have the highest mosquito density. The KAAP survey revealed that most respondents knew about dengue and its severity but were unaware about the types of mosquito which carried dengue virus (DENV). Household income, knowledge of the effects of land-use and seasonality on dengue, and the usage of electronic gadgets were found to be significantly associated with the WTP for controlling dengue vectors.
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Keywords
Dengue, Bangladesh, Infectious disease, Urban ecology, Aedes mosquito, Environmental management, Water management, Climate change impact on diseases, Climate change
Citation
Islam, S., Haque, C.E., Hossain, S., & Rochon, K. (2019). Role of container type, behavioural, and ecological factors in Aedes pupal production in Dhaka, Bangladesh: An application of zero-inflated negative binomial model. Acta Tropica, 193 (2019), 50-59.
Islam, S., Haque, C.E., Hossain, S., & Walker, D. (2019). Association among ecological and behavioural attributes, dengue vector, and disease control: a cross-sectional study of the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. International Health.