Awareness, practices and expenditure towards mosquito bite prevention methods in urban and semi-urban areas of South India

Abstract

The present study was done to find out awareness, practices and expenditure towards mosquito bite prevention methods. Data was collected by interviewing any adult per household. Out of 150 participants, 136 (90.7%) were aware that mosquitoes transmit diseases. Fourteen (9.3%) were not aware of any potential breeding sources. Only 96 (64%) households used integrated vector control methods. Median cost on permanent mosquito bite prevention methods was more in urban (p=0.011) while the percentage of total family income spent on temporary prevention methods was more in semi urban areas (p<0.001) and among low socio economic families (p<0.001). Breeding sites for mosquitoes like open wells (p=0.026) and open drains (p<0.001) was seen more in semi urban areas. Spraying operations was poor in households of semi urban areas (p=0.02). Awareness and practices of mosquito control methods needs further improvement in the settings. Provision of ITNs by government will reduce cost on temporary methods.