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Madera-Garcia V, Soto JR, Ellingson KD, Jacobs E, Walker KR, Ernst KC. Preferences and Demand for Mosquito Control among Dengue-Endemic Communities in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico: An Application of the Best-Worst Choice Model. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:540-548. [PMID: 38266284 PMCID: PMC10919196 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue virus and threatens 3.9 billion people living in many tropical and subtropical countries. Prevention and reduction of dengue and other Aedes-borne viruses, including Zika and chikungunya, requires control of mosquito populations. Community mobilization and input are essential components of vector control efforts. Many vector control campaigns do not engage communities prior to implementation, leading to program failure. Those that do often conduct basic knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys that are not designed to explicitly elicit preferences. Here, we applied a novel stated preference elicitation tool, best-worst choice, to understand preferences, willingness to participate, and willingness to pay for mosquito control in dengue-endemic communities of Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. Findings revealed that the community preferred mosquito control programs that are 1) applied at the neighborhood level, 2) implemented by the local government, and 3) focused specifically on reducing disease transmission (e.g., dengue) instead of mosquito nuisance. Programs targeting the reduction of disease transmission and higher educational level of participants increased willingness to participate. Participants were willing to pay an average of $72 annually to have a program targeting the reduction of diseases such as dengue. This study serves as a model to engage communities in the design of mosquito control programs and improve stakeholders' decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José R. Soto
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Elizabeth Jacobs
- College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Kacey C. Ernst
- College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Singh S, Verma AK, Chowdhary N, Sharma S, Awasthi A. Dengue havoc: overview and eco-friendly strategies to forestall the current epidemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:124806-124828. [PMID: 37989950 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30745-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that affects over 100 nations around the world, including Africa, America, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. Those who get infected by virus for the second time are at greater risk of having persistent dengue symptoms. Dengue fever has yet to be treated with a long-lasting vaccination or medication. Because of their ease of use, mosquito repellents have become popular as a dengue prevention technique. However, this has resulted in environmental degradation and harm, as well as bioaccumulation and biomagnification of hazardous residues in the ecosystem. Synthetic pesticides have caused a plethora of serious problems that were not foreseen when they were originally introduced. The harm caused by the allopathic medications/synthetic pesticides/chemical mosquito repellents has paved the door to employment of eco-friendly/green approaches in order to reduce dengue cases while protecting the integrity of the nearby environment too. Since the cases of dengue have become rampant these days, hence, starting the medication obtained from green approaches as soon as the disease is detected is advisable. In the present paper, we recommend environmentally friendly dengue management strategies, which, when combined with a reasonable number of vector control approaches, may help to avoid the dengue havoc as well as help in maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satpal Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, 174103
| | - Arunima Kumar Verma
- Department of Zoology, Autonomous Government P.G. College, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India, 485001
| | - Nupoor Chowdhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, 174103
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Department of Botany, Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh, India, 160011
| | - Abhishek Awasthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, 174103.
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Müller R, Bálint M, Hardes K, Hollert H, Klimpel S, Knorr E, Kochmann J, Lee KZ, Mehring M, Pauls SU, Smets G, Steinbrink A, Vilcinskas A. RNA interference to combat the Asian tiger mosquito in Europe: A pathway from design of an innovative vector control tool to its application. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108167. [PMID: 37164239 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently spreading across Europe, facilitated by climate change and global transportation. It is a vector of arboviruses causing human diseases such as chikungunya, dengue hemorrhagic fever and Zika fever. For the majority of these diseases, no vaccines or therapeutics are available. Options for the control of Ae. albopictus are limited by European regulations introduced to protect biodiversity by restricting or phasing out the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products of genome editing. Alternative solutions are thus urgently needed to avoid a future scenario in which Europe faces a choice between prioritizing human health or biodiversity when it comes to Aedes-vectored pathogens. To ensure regulatory compliance and public acceptance, these solutions should preferably not be based on chemicals or GMOs and must be cost-efficient and specific. The present review aims to synthesize available evidence on RNAi-based mosquito vector control and its potential for application in the European Union. The recent literature has identified some potential target sites in Ae. albopictus and formulations for delivery. However, we found little information concerning non-target effects on the environment or human health, on social aspects, regulatory frameworks, or on management perspectives. We propose optimal designs for RNAi-based vector control tools against Ae. albopictus (target product profiles), discuss their efficacy and reflect on potential risks to environmental health and the importance of societal aspects. The roadmap from design to application will provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on the application of emerging RNAi-based vector control tools for the suppression of Ae. albopictus populations with special focus on Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Müller
- Unit Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 9, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Miklós Bálint
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Toxicity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eileen Knorr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Judith Kochmann
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kwang-Zin Lee
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marion Mehring
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Hamburger Allee 45, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen U Pauls
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Greet Smets
- Perseus BV, Kortrijksesteenweg 127 B1, B-9830 Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
| | - Antje Steinbrink
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Juarez JG, Carbajal E, Dickinson KL, Garcia-Luna S, Vuong N, Mutebi JP, Hemme RR, Badillo-Vargas I, Hamer GL. The unreachable doorbells of South Texas: community engagement in colonias on the US-Mexico border for mosquito control. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1176. [PMID: 35698216 PMCID: PMC9190097 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13426-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit continue to place millions of people at risk of infection around the world. Novel methods of vector control are being developed to provide public health officials with the necessary tools to prevent disease transmission and reduce local mosquito populations. However, these methods will require public acceptance for a sustainable approach and evaluations at local settings. We present our efforts in community engagement carried out in colonias of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas for mosquito surveillance, control, and ecological projects. Along the US-Mexico border the term colonia refers to impoverished communities that are usually inhabited by families of Hispanic heritage. The different engagements were carried out from September 2016 to February 2019; during this time, we had three distinct phases for community engagement. In Phase 1 we show the initial approach to the colonias in which we assessed security and willingness to participate; in Phase 2 we carried out the first recruitment procedure involving community meetings and house-to-house recruitment; and in Phase 3 we conducted a modified recruitment procedure based on community members' input. Our findings show that incorporating community members in the development of communication materials and following their suggestions for engagement allowed us to generate culturally sensitive recruitment materials and to better understand the social relationships and power dynamics within these communities. We were able to effectively reach a larger portion of the community and decrease the dropout rate of participants. Progress gained with building trust in the communities allowed us to convey participant risks and benefits of collaborating with our research projects. Community engagement should be viewed as a key component of any local vector control program as well as for any scientific research project related to vector control. Even in the face of budgetary constraints, small efforts in community engagement go a long way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose G Juarez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ester Carbajal
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Selene Garcia-Luna
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nga Vuong
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - John-Paul Mutebi
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ryan R Hemme
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dengue Branch, San Juan, PR, USA
| | | | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Mulderij-Jansen V, Gerstenbluth I, Duits A, Tami A, Bailey A. Evaluating and strengthening the health system of Curaҫao to improve its performance for future outbreaks of vector-borne diseases. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:500. [PMID: 34565464 PMCID: PMC8474927 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika pose a significant challenge to health systems in countries they affect, especially countries with less developed healthcare systems. Therefore, countries are encouraged to work towards more resilient health systems. This qualitative study aims to examine the performance of the health system of the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaҫao regarding the prevention and control of VBDs in the last decade by using the WHO health system building blocks. Methods From November 2018 to December 2020, a multi-method qualitative study was performed in Curaçao, applying content analysis of documents (n = 50), five focus group discussions (n = 30), interviews with experts (n = 11) and 15 observation sessions. The study was designed based on the WHO framework: health system building blocks. Two cycles of inductive and deductive coding were employed, and Nvivo software was used to analyse the data. Results This study’s data highlighted the challenges (e.g. insufficient oversight, coordination, leadership skills, structure and communication) that the departments of the health system of Curaҫao faced during the last three epidemics of VBDs (2010–2020). Furthermore, low levels of collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organisations (e.g. semi-governmental and private laboratories) and insufficient capacity building to improve skills (e.g. entomological, surveillance skills) were also observed. Lastly, we observed how bottlenecks in one building block negatively influenced other building blocks (e.g. inadequate leadership/governance obstructed the workforce's performance). Conclusions This study uncovers potential organisational bottlenecks that have affected the performance of the health system of Curaҫao negatively. We recommend starting with the reinforcement of oversight of the integrated vector management programme to ensure the development, implementation and evaluation of related legislation, policies and interventions. Also, we recommend evaluating and reforming the existing administrative and organisational structure of the health system by considering the cultural style, challenges and barriers of the current health system. More efforts are needed to improve the documentation of agreements, recruitment and evaluation of the workforce's performance. Based on our findings, we conceptualised actions to strengthen the health system's building blocks to improve its performance for future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05011-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaitiare Mulderij-Jansen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,International Development Studies, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Epidemiology, Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute, Willemstad, Curaçao.
| | - Izzy Gerstenbluth
- Department of Epidemiology, Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute, Willemstad, Curaçao.,Epidemiology and Research Unit, Ministry of Health Environment and Nature of Curaçao, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Ashley Duits
- Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation, Willemstad, Curaçao.,Department of Immunology, Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Adriana Tami
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ajay Bailey
- International Development Studies, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Dutra HLC, Ford SA, Allen SL, Bordenstein SR, Chenoweth SF, Bordenstein SR, McGraw EA. The impact of artificial selection for Wolbachia-mediated dengue virus blocking on phage WO. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009637. [PMID: 34314434 PMCID: PMC8345842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia is currently at the forefront of global efforts to control arbovirus transmission from the vector Aedes aegypti. The use of Wolbachia relies on two phenotypes—cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), conferred by cifA and cifB genes in prophage WO, and Wolbachia-mediated pathogen blocking (WMPB). These traits allow for local, self-sustaining reductions in transmission of dengue (DENV) following release of Wolbachia-infected A. aegypti. Here, aided by previous artificial selection experiment that generated Low and High pathogen blocking lines, we examined the potential link between WMPB and phage WO. We found no evidence that Wolbachia or phage WO relative densities predict DENV blocking strength across selected lines. However, selection resulted in reduced phage WO relative density for the Low WMPB line. The Low blocking line was previously shown to have reduced fitness as a result of selection. Through subsequent genomic analyses, we demonstrate that SNP variation underpinning selection for low blocking led to elevated frequency of potential deleterious SNPs on chromosome 1. The key region on chromosome 1 contains genes relating to cell cycle regulation, oxidative stress, transcriptional pausing, among others, that may have cascading effects on Wolbachia intracellular environment. We hypothesize that reduction in phage WO may be driven by changes in the loci directly under selection for blocking, or by the accumulation of predicted deleterious alleles in linkage disequilibrium with blocking loci resulting from hitchhiking. For the Low line with fewer phage WO, we also detected reduced expression of cifA and cifB CI genes, with patterns of expression varying between somatic and reproductive tissues. In conclusion, we propose that artificial selection for WMPB trait had corresponding impacts on phage WO densities, and also the transcription of CI-causing genes. Future studies may include a more detailed analysis of the regions the A. aegypti chromosome 1’s ability to affect WMPB and other Wolbachia-associated intrinsic factors such as phage WO. Wolbachia are widespread endosymbiotic bacteria of insects that cause Wolbachia-mediated pathogen blocking (WMPB) and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). The latter mediated by cif genes localized in the prophage WO region. Because of that, Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are currently being used in field to fight the transmission of vector-borne viruses such as Dengue (DENV) to human populations. Aided by a previous artificial selection experiment that generated lines with variable (High and Low) DENV blocking strength, we tested for a potential link between WMPB and phage WO. There was no evidence that Wolbachia nor phage WO densities predict DENV blocking strength. However, we found that the Low blocking line had reduced phage WO density, and lower expression of the cif genes in a tissue-specific manner. We demonstrate that in addition to previous report of reduced fitness, the Low blocking line also exhibited increased frequency of potential deleterious SNPs on chromosome 1. Our hypotheses are that reduction in phage WO may have resulted from changes in the loci directly under selection for blocking, or by linkage disequilibrium events linked to the accumulation of mosquito predicted deleterious alleles. Our results highlight the importance of chromosome 1 for WMPB and its potential impact for other Wolbachia-associated factors like phage WO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heverton L. C. Dutra
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Suzanne A. Ford
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Scott L. Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah R. Bordenstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Microbiome Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Stephen F. Chenoweth
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Seth R. Bordenstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Microbiome Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. McGraw
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Alternatives to Improve Mosquito Eradication Behavior: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/jgbfnm.18.2.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
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Stefopoulou A, LaDeau SL, Syrigou N, Balatsos G, Karras V, Lytra I, Boukouvala E, Papachristos DP, Milonas PG, Kapranas A, Vahamidis P, Michaelakis A. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Survey in Greece before the Implementation of Sterile Insect Technique against Aedes albopictus. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12030212. [PMID: 33801542 PMCID: PMC8000271 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, tends to breed in various artificial containers frequently found in urban areas. Since urban areas cannot be easily accessed for the application of control measures, community engagement is considered beneficial in vector control. The area of Vravrona, Greece was selected for the implementation of the sterile insect technique (SIT) against Aedes albopictus for the first time in Greece. In the current study, a door-to-door campaign was used as a prerelease intervention to raise community awareness about SIT and encourage removal of mosquito habitats in their yards. A KAP (knowledge, attitude, practices) survey was used to collect these data of local community members. Our results demonstrate that using the door-to-door campaign as a prerelease method can raise community awareness, reduce the initial mosquito population, and potentially improve SIT efficacy. The participation of key persons, such as scientific experts and municipality members, in the implementation of the interventions is crucial for the successful engagement of community and may prove important in granting permission to enter their private properties for entomological surveillance. Abstract Community involvement in Aedes albopictus management can be very efficient and result in raising awareness among citizens. Toward this end, a door-to-door campaign can encourage active community participation in vector control. The current study describes the results of an intervention where a KAP (knowledge, attitude, practices) survey tool was paired with a door-to-door campaign and was implemented as an intervention method in Vravrona area (Attica, Greece) before the release of sterile males (sterile insect technique, SIT) against Aedes albopictus. The KAP tool was used to shed light on the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of local community members in order to better prepare and motivate participation in household mosquito control and to assess current understanding of SIT. Each household also received specific information about mosquito source habitat in their own yards at the time of the initial KAP survey. These household data were complemented by standardized mosquito trapping in the municipality. Our findings indicate that citizens’ attitude toward SIT ranged from indecisive to fully supportive, while 77.5% of the respondents agreed that the SIT has many advantages over chemical control methods. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that using the door-to-door campaign as an intervention and prerelease method before SIT can suppress the initial mosquito population and potentially improve its efficacy. Lastly, we show that the presence of local municipality officials during door-to-door visits was associated with increased willingness from the residents to participate in the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Stefopoulou
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
| | | | - Nefeli Syrigou
- Municipality of Markopoulo Mesogaias, 19003 Markopoulo, Greece; (N.S.); (E.B.)
| | - George Balatsos
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
| | - Vasileios Karras
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
| | - Ioanna Lytra
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
| | | | - Dimitrios P. Papachristos
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
| | - Panagiotis G. Milonas
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
| | - Apostolos Kapranas
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
| | - Petros Vahamidis
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
- Laboratory of Agronomy, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Michaelakis
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.S.); (G.B.); (V.K.); (I.L.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.K.); or (P.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-8180248
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Kazaura M. Knowledge, attitude and practices about dengue fever among adults living in Pwani Region, Tanzania in 2019. Afr Health Sci 2020; 20:1601-1609. [PMID: 34394220 PMCID: PMC8351831 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v20i4.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dengue fever (DF) is currently widespread in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Among the triggers of epidemic include urbanization and internal migrations. Within the past few years, there have been DF outbreaks in Tanzania. Although Pwani region is among the predicted risk areas for the DF, there is insufficient data about people's knowledge, attitude and practices towards prevention of DF in their settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices about DF among adults in Pwani region in Tanzania. METHODS The cross-sectional study conducted in Mkuranga District, Pwani region in Tanzania. We used face-to-face interviews to collect data. The main analytical procedure was descriptive using frequencies. RESULTS The majority, 97.7%, were aware of DF. Nevertheless, almost 80% had a low knowledge on symptoms, transmission and vector control measures. Furthermore, less than 20% had positive attitude towards dengue fever prevention, severity of the illness and health seeking behavior. CONCLUSION Lack of enough knowledge and positive attitude about disease transmission, symptoms and preventive measures put the population at high risk of contracting the disease. There is need to create and improve friendly, correct and simple information, education and education messages for the rural populations.
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Mulderij-Jansen V, Elsinga J, Gerstenbluth I, Duits A, Tami A, Bailey A. Understanding risk communication for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases: A mixed-method study in Curaçao. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008136. [PMID: 32282848 PMCID: PMC7153856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risk communication (RC) is an essential tool for the prevention and control of diseases as it impacts risk perception, increases awareness and might change behaviour. It is the interactive exchange of information about risks among experts and people. Effective RC can minimize the impact that diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika have on populations. This study aimed to understand RC regarding vector-borne diseases in its social context and from the viewpoint of the audience to strengthen RC strategies in Curaçao. Methods In 2015, a cross-sectional mixed-method study applying focus group discussions (n = 7), in-depth interviews (n = 20) and a structured survey questionnaire (n = 339) was done in Curaçao. The study was designed based on the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. In addition, the Social Amplification of Risk Framework and the theory of cultural schemas were applied to understand RC in the social context. Results Television, radio and newspapers were the most important channels of information regarding dengue and chikungunya. Moreover, individuals also reported receiving information via social media, the internet and family/friends. Interestingly, the use of internet to obtain information diminished with age, while females were more likely to use internet compared to men. These key findings were statistically significant. An important outcome was that the risk perception towards chikungunya at the beginning of the outbreak was attenuated. This might be due to the (perceived) lack of RC before the epidemic. This same risk perception was amplified later during the outbreak by the increased exposure to information. Lastly, we show how cultural schemas influence people’s perception regarding preventive measures and treatment of chikungunya and dengue. Conclusions Data obtained emphasise the importance of understanding the user of media platforms and sharing information in a timely fashion through a transparent process with the content that convinces people of the seriousness of the matter. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika are an increasing public health concern worldwide. The mentioned VBDs are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes species. Preventing or reducing VBDs continues to depend mainly on vector control and interrupting human-vector contact. Risk communication (RC) is the interactive exchange of information about hazards among experts and individuals. As it influences individuals’ behaviour, a better understanding of how it works is vital to improving RC strategies in the context of VBD prevention and control strategies. Our study highlighted the complexity of this matter as we found that there are multiple factors, including the volume of information, trust, experience with a similar disease and cultural schemas that determine how people cope with risk and information. We recommend broadening the use and scope of media platforms to share information and to customise the messages taking the cultural schemas of the community into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaitiare Mulderij-Jansen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Groningen, The Netherlands
- International Development Studies, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology, Willemstad, Curaçao
- * E-mail:
| | - Jelte Elsinga
- International Development Studies, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Izzy Gerstenbluth
- Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Epidemiology and Research Unit, Ministry of Health Environment and Nature of Curaçao, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Ashley Duits
- Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation, Willemstad, Curaҫao
- Curaçao Biomedical & Health Research Institute, Department of Immunology, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Adriana Tami
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ajay Bailey
- International Development Studies, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Transdisciplinary Centre for Qualitative Methods, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Harris C, Armién B. Sociocultural determinants of adoption of preventive practices for hantavirus: A knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey in Tonosí, Panama. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008111. [PMID: 32107494 PMCID: PMC7064252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hantaviruses are a group of single-stranded RNA viruses carried by small rodent reservoirs, transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized particles of rodent feces, urine, or saliva. In Panama, the Choclo orthohantavirus has been associated with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (n = 54) and Hantavirus Fever (n = 53). In 2018, there were 107 cases of hantavirus diseases, the majority in the Tonosí district, and 4 deaths. As there is no vaccine or treatment for hantavirus, proper prevention measures by community members is key to stopping outbreaks. Methodology and principal findings We investigated hantavirus knowledge, attitudes, and practices in one corregimiento of Tonosí, Panama to determine what factors influence uptake of prevention practices and high level of knowledge. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 124 residents covering hantavirus knowledge, attitudes based in the Health Belief Model (perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived obstacles, perceived benefits, and cues to action) and prevention practices. There was an overall high level of knowledge (median score: 4/6), though 20% did not know the route of transmission. The mean number of reported practices performed per person was 8.4 (range: 4–12). Most people had heard of hantavirus through other community members. In linear regression, lower perceived obstacles predicted higher preventive practice score. Reported obstacles to preventive practices included physical restrictions, such as age and health state. In ordinal logistic regression, higher education level and knowing more people who had previously been sick with hantavirus contributed to higher knowledge score. Conclusions Future interventions should focus on removing barriers to performing preventive practices. As most people learned of hantavirus through community members, interventions should be community-based and involve those who have experienced the disease. Any future education materials should address confusions about route of transmission and be targeted at those with a lower education level. Hantavirus is a pathogen spread by small rodents in many regions of the world. In Panama, infection with hantavirus can lead to Hantavirus Fever or Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. In 2018, there were 107 cases of hantavirus infection in Panama, the majority in the Tonosí District, and 4 deaths. Currently, there is no treatment, cure, or vaccine for hantaviruses. It is important that communities carry out the recommended prevention measures. In this study, we investigated what influences people to carry out the proper prevention measures and what influences people’s knowledge of hantavirus in order to design interventions in highly affected communities. We found that barriers such as physical restrictions limit people’s ability to perform the measures. Additionally, we found that those with higher education and those that knew more people who had been sick with hantavirus were more likely to have higher knowledge of the disease. We recommend that future interventions are community-based and focus on removing obstacles to performing the recommended prevention practices and involve those who have been affected by the disease to spread information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlyn Harris
- Department of Research in Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Calle 35, Panamá, PANAMA
| | - Blas Armién
- Department of Research in Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Calle 35, Panamá, PANAMA
- Universidad Interamericana de Panamá, Panamá, PANAMA
- * E-mail:
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12
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Vector control in Zika-affected communities: Local views on community engagement and public health ethics during outbreaks. Prev Med Rep 2020; 18:101059. [PMID: 32154093 PMCID: PMC7052511 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Public health authorities can mitigate community resistance to aerial spraying. Zika-affected persons favor autonomy, transparency, reasonableness, and solidarity. Proliferating social media and skepticism toward government present challenges.
Aerial spraying of products to kill larvae or adult mosquitoes is a public health measure used to control vector-borne diseases. In some outbreaks, the intervention has evoked controversy and community resistance. This study evaluated how local opinion leaders in US localities affected by Zika think about community engagement in public health policies for outbreak response. In December 2017 through March 2018, 4 focus groups were convened in Houston, TX, New Orleans, LA, Miami, FL, and Brooklyn, NY. They discussed a hypothetical scenario that featured vector control by aerial spraying. Participants (N = 20) more readily accepted this vector control method under 4 conditions: They were informed of alternatives, benefits, and risks for human health and the environment. Public health claims were backed by objective evidence and an authority figure genuinely working in the community’s interests. They received timely notice about how to mitigate toxin exposure. And, aerial spraying helped to protect vulnerable individuals. The community engagement requirements of the local opinion leaders resonate with core principles of recent public health ethics frameworks: namely, personal autonomy, transparency, reasonableness, and solidarity. Participants foresaw problems with community consent in an era of growing social media use and mistrust in governmental and scientific authority. They also debated whether health authorities should use moral-based arguments, in addition to science-based ones, to communicate aerial spraying’s risks and benefits.
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Smith ME, Bilal S, Lakwo TL, Habomugisha P, Tukahebwa E, Byamukama E, Katabarwa MN, Richards FO, Cupp EW, Unnasch TR, Michael E. Accelerating river blindness elimination by supplementing MDA with a vegetation "slash and clear" vector control strategy: a data-driven modeling analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15274. [PMID: 31649285 PMCID: PMC6813336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention is increasingly focusing on how best to accelerate progress toward meeting the WHO's 2030 goals for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). For river blindness, a major NTD targeted for elimination, there is a long history of using vector control to suppress transmission, but traditional larvicide-based approaches are limited in their utility. One innovative and sustainable approach, "slash and clear", involves clearing vegetation from breeding areas, and recent field trials indicate that this technique very effectively reduces the biting density of Simulium damnosum s.s. In this study, we use a Bayesian data-driven mathematical modeling approach to investigate the potential impact of this intervention on human onchocerciasis infection. We developed a novel "slash and clear" model describing the effect of the intervention on seasonal black fly biting rates and coupled this with our population dynamics model of Onchocerca volvulus transmission. Our results indicate that supplementing annual drug treatments with "slash and clear" can significantly accelerate the achievement of onchocerciasis elimination. The efficacy of the intervention is not very sensitive to the timing of implementation, and the impact is meaningful even if vegetation is cleared only once per year. As such, this community-driven technique will represent an important option for achieving and sustaining O. volvulus elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Shakir Bilal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Thomson L Lakwo
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eddie W Cupp
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Thomas R Unnasch
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Edwin Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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Tapia-López E, Bardach A, Ciapponi A, Alcaraz A, García-Perdomo HA, Ruvinsky S, Belizán M. Experiencias, barreras y facilitadores en la implementación de intervenciones de control del Aedes aegypti en América Latina y Caribe: estudio cualitativo. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2019; 35:e00092618. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00092618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
El objetivo fue describir experiencias, barreras y facilitadores en la implementación de intervenciones de control del Aedes aegypti en América Latina y Caribe. Fue realizado un abordaje cualitativo con entrevistas en profundidad semiestructuradas a expertos en implementación de programas (19 participantes de nueve países). Se utilizó un software para la codificar los datos y se confeccionaron matrices para su comparación. En base a los hallazgos desarrollamos una representación gráfica de dimensiones teóricas que agrupan las barreras y facilitadores para la implementación de intervenciones. A nivel global, el ambiente natural y construido contribuye a la reproducción del mosquito. En el sistema de salud, la falta de priorización del problema y la escasez de recursos materiales y humanos representan los obstáculos más importantes. Se necesita que otros sectores diferentes al de salud se responsabilicen de las acciones para mejorar los determinantes sociales de la salud. Existen barreras transversales relacionadas con la gobernanza, como la descoordinación entre los niveles centrales y locales, falta de continuidad de las intervenciones y de los grupos técnicos. La comunidad enfrenta problemas como la falta de información, pobreza o resistencias a recomendaciones. La opinión pública puede tener un impacto positivo o negativo, influyendo indirectamente en las decisiones políticas. Este estudio propone un marco de dimensiones de análisis construido desde los hallazgos; describe factores influyentes en la implementación de políticas que pueden orientar las acciones futuras desde un enfoque integrado.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tapia-López
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Argentina; Centro de Investigación de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Argentina
| | - Ariel Bardach
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Argentina; Centro de Investigación de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Argentina; Centro de Investigación de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina; Centro Cochrane Argentino, Argentina
| | - Andrea Alcaraz
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Argentina; Centro de Investigación de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Argentina
| | | | | | - María Belizán
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Argentina; Centro de Investigación de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Argentina
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Stefopoulou Α, Balatsos G, Petraki A, LaDeau SL, Papachristos D, Michaelakis Α. Reducing Aedes albopictus breeding sites through education: A study in urban area. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202451. [PMID: 30408031 PMCID: PMC6224055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes albopictus tends to proliferate in small, often man-made bodies of water, largely present in urban private areas. For this reason, education and community participation are considered crucial for source reduction and mosquito control. In the current study, we identify mosquito breeding habitat and evaluate the effectiveness of resident education. Since 2010 several outbreaks of West Nile virus infection occurred in Greece however urban population has no previous experience with mosquito–borne disease related to Aedes species, such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. After the introduction of Ae. albopictus in Greece, urban areas have been considered to be at risk of epidemic arboviral outbreaks and identifying effective control strategies is imperative. Our study examines the relationship between mosquito breeding sources and socioeconomic or demographic characteristics of different households in a Greek municipality and evaluates efficacy of resident education. The results revealed that only a minority of residents knew where mosquitoes breed (18.6%) and only 46% felt that residents had any responsibility for managing breeding habitat. Our findings strongly suggest that only the presence of scientific staff inspecting possible habitats in their properties, could be enough to stimulate practices towards source reduction. However, educational interventions alone with printed education material cannot enhance significant community participation and source reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Αngeliki Stefopoulou
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Kifissia, Greece
| | - George Balatsos
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Kifissia, Greece
| | - Angeliki Petraki
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Kifissia, Greece
| | - Shannon L. LaDeau
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios Papachristos
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Kifissia, Greece
| | - Αntonios Michaelakis
- Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Kifissia, Greece
- * E-mail:
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Dagenais C, Degroote S, Otmani Del Barrio M, Bermudez-Tamayo C, Ridde V. Establishing research priorities in prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in urban areas: a collaborative process. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:85. [PMID: 30173663 PMCID: PMC6120077 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015, following a call for proposals from the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), six scoping reviews on the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in urban areas were conducted. Those reviews provided a clear picture of the available knowledge and highlighted knowledge gaps, as well as needs and opportunities for future research. Based on the research findings of the scoping reviews, a concept mapping exercise was undertaken to produce a list of priority research needs to be addressed. METHODS Members of the six research teams responsible for the "VEctor boRne DiseAses Scoping reviews" (VERDAS) consortium's scoping reviews met for 2 days with decision-makers from Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Pan-American Health Organization, and World Health Organization. A total of 11 researchers and seven decision-makers (from ministries of health, city and regional vector control departments, and vector control programs) completed the concept mapping, answering the question: "In view of the knowledge synthesis and your own expertise, what do we still need to know about vector-borne diseases and other infectious diseases of poverty in urban areas?" Participants rated each statement on two scales from 1 to 5, one relative to 'priority' and the other to 'policy relevance', and grouped statements into clusters based on their own individual criteria and expertise. RESULTS The final map consisted of 12 clusters. Participants considered those entitled "Equity", "Technology", and "Surveillance" to have the highest priority. The cluster considered the most important concerns equity issues, confirming that these issues are rarely addressed in research on vector-borne diseases. On the other hand, the "Population mobility" and "Collaboration" clusters were considered to be the lowest priority but remained identified by participants as research priorities. The average policy relevance scores for each of the 12 clusters were roughly the same as the priority scores for all clusters. Some issues were not addressed during the brain-storming. This is the case for governance and for access and quality of care. CONCLUSIONS Based on this work, and adopting a participatory approach, the concept mapping exercise conducted collaboratively with researchers from these teams and high-level decision-makers identified research themes for which studies should be carried out as a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dagenais
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Pavillon Marie-Victorin, Bureau C-355, C. P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville., Montreal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada
| | - Stéphanie Degroote
- University of Montreal Public Health Research Institute, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Mariam Otmani Del Barrio
- Vector, Environment and Society Unit, Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Clara Bermudez-Tamayo
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Valéry Ridde
- University of Montreal Public Health Research Institute, Montreal, QC Canada
- IRD (French Institute for Research on Sustainable Development), CEPED (IRD-Université Paris Descartes), Universités Paris Sorbonne Cités, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
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Elsinga J, Schmidt M, Lizarazo EF, Vincenti-Gonzalez MF, Velasco-Salas ZI, Arias L, Burgerhof JGM, Tami A. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Regarding Dengue in Maracay, Venezuela. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:195-203. [PMID: 29848406 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue, a viral mosquito-borne disease currently affects more than 2.5 billion people living in endemic areas worldwide. In vector control, social mobilization and community behavioral changes are of crucial importance. Here, we identified the factors influencing community dengue preventive practices in a high-transmission urban area in Venezuela. Between September 2013 and February 2014, a cross-sectional study at the household level was carried out in Maracay city, Venezuela. A precoded questionnaire was used to obtain information on people's knowledge, attitudes, and use of preventive practices in relation to dengue. Concomitantly, entomological data was collected from households. In 80% of the 105 included households, 1-5 preventive practices (e.g., repellents, insecticides) against mosquito bites were used. However, 57% of the examined houses had potential Aedes breeding sites indoors and/or outdoors, most of which positive for Aedes spp. larvae/pupae. Preventive practices were associated with a previous dengue infection (P = 0.030) and a better knowledge on dengue symptoms and transmission route (P = 0.020). In turn, knowledge was associated with feeling at risk (P < 0.001), a previous dengue infection (P = 0.010), and reported exposure to information sources of dengue (P = 0.011). Even though the knowledge level of the community over transmission ways was high, and most of the individuals took measures to avoid mosquito bites, potential mosquito breeding sites were present in almost two-thirds of the examined properties. Health promotion activities in Venezuela should aim at raising awareness at the community level on the importance of combining mosquito bite prevention with removal of breeding sites in and around the households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelte Elsinga
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Masja Schmidt
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erley F Lizarazo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Carabobo, Maracay, Venezuela.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria F Vincenti-Gonzalez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Carabobo, Maracay, Venezuela.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Zoraida I Velasco-Salas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad Experimental de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luzlexis Arias
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Carabobo, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Johannes G M Burgerhof
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana Tami
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
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