Knowledge and awareness of Dengue and Chikungunya amidst recurrent outbreaks amongst urban slum community members of Pune, India

ContextWorld health organizations (WHO) new strategy on Global Vector Control Response (GVCR) considered engaging and mobilizing communities and emphasized on local adaptation of communication strategies for achieving sustainable impact in vector control. Public awareness studies amidst and post epidemic/ outbreak situations can fast-track useful information to local programmes to set risk communication agenda. AimsTo assess knowledge and awareness regarding dengue and chikungunya among general community members during and post-epidemic/outbreak situations. Settings and DesignCross-sectional study in slums of Pune city wherein several recurrent outbreaks of Dengue and Chikungunya were reported. Methods and MaterialIn total 309 general community members residing in urban slums of Pune in Maharashtra were randomly chosen using population proportionate sampling. Semi-structured interview schedule was administered. Statistical analysis usedKnowledge and awareness scores for dengue and chikungunya were calculated and analytical statistical tests were performed. ResultsIt was found that most of the respondents were in the 18-39 years age group, ever married, literate, and had regular income. The study showed relatively good knowledge among respondents about symptoms, causes, mode of transmission and prevention methods for dengue and chikungunya. Respondents scored well with regard to awareness indicators concerning availability of supportive and symptomatic treatments for dengue and chikungunya. Average knowledge and awareness score for dengue and chikungunya together were 5.4 {+/-} 1.96 (SD) and 1.68 {+/-} 0.63 (SD) respectively. Better knowledge and awareness levels were reported among literate respondents. ConclusionsFindings indicate need for sustaining these better knowledge and awareness levels into efficacious and community-owned prevention practices to fast-track appropriate public health actions during and post-epidemic situations leading to sustained community mobilization and engagement to promote successful implementation of WHO recommended GVCR strategy.