Evaluation of students' knowledge as a contribution to dengue control programs

Schools as centers for health educational initiatives, health behavior research and risk behavior for dengue infection in school children and community members: a systematic review

Dengue virus is the main arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and affects mainly school-aged children and teens. Many methods have been developed for dengue control, including health education strategies for elementary and high school students. The objective of this study is to provide an update on the status of health education on dengue in schools and provide new perspectives on health behavior research in order to reduce the proliferation of mosquitoes and spread of arboviral diseases among school-aged children and other community members. A systematic review about health educational initiatives was carried out. This research discusses the effectiveness of these strategies in educating students about dengue disease and mosquito control and how the school is relevant for community-based participation in research on dengue education. The study found that employing ludic strategies and directly involving children in mosquito control in their households have been the most attractive and effective strategies for dengue education in children and teens. However, the sustainability of protective behaviors has been poorly evaluated, and new approaches for health behavior research are needed. Inasmuch as, schools are important places for gathering community members, and students can serve as an essential link between educative interventions and the community.

Characterization of enzymatic profiles of Aedes aegypti strains from the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

This study was conducted in four strains of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to evaluate the enzymatic activity profiles in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, and correlate them with biochemical mechanisms of resistance to insecticides. Mosquitos were used to quantify the following detoxification enzymes: Mixed-Function Oxidase (MFO), PNPA-esterase (PNPA-EST), and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The profiles were compared statistically with profiles from the Rockefeller strain, through the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). The 99 percentile of the values of enzyme activity from the reference strain was calculated for each enzyme, and the percentage of individuals above the 99 percentile was quantified. The enzyme activities were classified as "Unchanged" (< 15%), "Identified change" (> 15% and < 50%), and "Substantially changed" (> 50%). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the MFO and AChE profiles, which are fundamental in the determination of profiles of resistance to insecticides. Three populations were classified as "Substantially changed" for MFO. The altered enzymatic activity showed that the changes could have an important role in exposing resistance to insecticides.