Acceptability of Integrated Vector Management of Aedes in the iDEM Project: Findings from a Community-Based Survey in...

For dengue, there is little evidence regarding community-level acceptance, facilitators and barriers for integrated vector management (IVM). We carried out a survey to measure these aspects in the context of a large cluster-randomized controlled trial of IVM against dengue vectors in urban Malaysia, in which the component control methods were (i) outdoor residual spraying, (ii) autodissemination devices (ADDs) and (iii) community engagement. The survey population comprised (i) members of the Joint Management Body (JMB) of building developments in both arms, and (ii) residents in the intervention arm. Members of both groups were requested to complete a structured questionnaire, through face-to-face interviews. Among JMB responders, 138 were the intervention clusters, and 94 from those receiving routine activities (control arm), and there were 604 responders among residents of intervention clusters. Among the JMB members, safety of the control methods (spraying and ADDs) was among the most important potential facilitators. Among barriers, the ones identified by over one-third of the participants were lack of information about the iDEM IVM methods, lack of communication and of involvement with the iDEM project personnel. Overall, the iDEM IVM methods were seen positively, and investment by the trial in community engagement may have contributed to this.