Behavioral, Sociocultural, and Institutional Barriers to Dengue Prevention and Control Among Rural Communities in the...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Entomology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Dengue prevention in rural Amazonia is influenced by knowledge, feasibility, socio-cultural factors, and communication.
• Barriers to dengue prevention and control in the Peruvian Amazon were explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate behavioral, sociocultural, and institutional barriers affecting dengue prevention and control.
• To understand the dynamics influencing community-based dengue prevention in rural Amazonian settings.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory qualitative study using an ethnographic approach and the Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) framework.
• Data collection involved 120 adults through interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis.
• Analysis employed an inductive thematic approach with triangulation across diverse data sources.

Main Results:

• A significant gap exists between general dengue awareness and practical, routine prevention measures.
• Prevention efforts were often reactive, influenced by visible risks and intermittent institutional actions.
• Barriers included irregular water supply, waste management issues, socio-cultural norms, and limited trust in institutional communication.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable dengue prevention necessitates locally adapted household practices and safe water storage solutions.
• Trusted local communicators and continuous community engagement are crucial for effective public health interventions.
• Intersectoral collaboration and neighborhood coordination are vital for sustained dengue control efforts.