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Protocol for Dengue Infections in Mosquitoes (A. aegypti) and Infection Phenotype Determination
Published on: July 4, 2007
Evaluation of students' knowledge as a contribution to dengue control programs.
Juliana Maria Trindade Bezerra1, Joelma Soares-da Silva, Sebastiana Silva Ibiapina
1Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Centro de Estudos Superiores de Caxias, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Brazil. juliana.bezerra@cpqrr.fiocruz.br
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva
|November 30, 2011
Summary
Students in Caxias, Brazil, showed varying knowledge of dengue fever and its mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. Educational campaigns are vital to improve public awareness and control mosquito breeding sites.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- High densities of immature Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been recorded in western Caxias, Maranhão, Brazil.
- Dengue fever poses a significant public health concern in affected regions.
- Understanding community knowledge is crucial for effective vector control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate elementary school students' knowledge of dengue fever, its vector (Aedes aegypti), and prevention methods.
- To identify areas with varying levels of knowledge and potential for targeted educational interventions.
- To inform local dengue control programs with data on community awareness.
Main Methods:
- A survey involving 700 students from 14 elementary schools in seven neighborhoods of Caxias, Maranhão, Brazil.
- Data collection conducted between July and December 2007.
- Targeted questionnaires assessed knowledge regarding dengue, Aedes aegypti, and disease prevention.
Main Results:
- Students in the Trizidela neighborhood demonstrated the most comprehensive knowledge, correlating with better social and urban conditions.
- The Tamarineiro neighborhood showed a notable presence of mosquito breeding sites, indicating a need for intervention.
- Variations in knowledge levels were observed across different neighborhoods.
Conclusions:
- Educational initiatives are essential to enhance population awareness and promote behavioral changes for dengue prevention.
- Targeted educational campaigns can be tailored based on neighborhood-specific knowledge gaps and environmental conditions.
- The survey findings provide valuable insights for local public health teams to develop effective dengue control strategies.
