Barriers and opportunities for community engagement in UAV-based dengue management in rural Malaysia

Dengue fever remains a significant public health issue in Malaysia, particularly in rural areas where unique challenges such as dispersed populations, limited infrastructure, and distinct socio-cultural dynamics complicate vector control efforts. Drone technology has emerged as an innovative tool for dengue management, offering capabilities such as aerial surveillance and targeted interventions. However, its adoption in rural communities is hindered by barriers related to community engagement and acceptance. This study aims to evaluate the barriers and opportunities for community engagement in drone-based dengue management within rural Malaysian settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted across six states representing rural Malaysia: Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Kedah, and Perlis. A total of 190 participants were recruited using a stratified purposive sampling method. Data were collected via structured questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, perceptions of drone technology, and willingness to engage in dengue prevention activities, such as downloading a dengue-related application or participating in mosquito control training programs. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze factors influencing community engagement. Participants were predominantly female (67.4%) and of Malay ethnicity (>90%). Younger participants (<40 years) showed significantly lower willingness to participate in training programs ("Maybe" vs. "No": OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.067-0.968, p = 0.045), while age was not a significant predictor for app adoption. Negative perceptions of drone use and sociodemographic factors, such as housing type and residency duration, did not significantly influence willingness to engage. Despite these findings, qualitative responses highlighted concerns related to privacy, trust, and technological accessibility in rural areas. Drone-based dengue management in rural Malaysia faces challenges in community engagement, particularly among younger demographics. Tailored strategies, such as gamified training programs and targeted awareness campaigns, are necessary to address barriers and foster acceptance. These findings provide critical insights for developing inclusive and effective public health interventions leveraging drone technology in resource-limited rural settings.