Anti-Dengue Sanitation Practices: A Health Education Approach for Municipal Sanitary Workers in Puducherry, India

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 7; p. e65227
• Main Authors: Jency, Priskilla Johnson, Rishla, Kozhithodi Eranthodi, Jabir, Muhammed M, Vijayakumar, Balakrishnan, Dinesh, Raja Jeyapal, Dhanalakshmi, Rajendran
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 23.07.2024
• Subjects: Dengue fever; Disease prevention; Health education; Infections; Interviews; Knowledge; Mosquitoes; Public health; Questionnaires; Sanitation; Sociodemographics; Supervisors; Tropical diseases; Vectors (Biology); Waste disposal; Waste management; United States > US; India; health education; information literacy; dengue; vector control; sanitary workers
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65227

Introduction Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease of global health concern, especially in tropical areas. , its vector, thrives in inadequate sanitation conditions. The role of sanitary workers is pivotal in dengue control and prevention efforts; hence, educating them is essential for enhancing their vector control awareness. Methods This study was conducted among 109 municipal sanitary workers in selected areas of Puducherry, India. Their baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dengue were assessed through a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, followed by a targeted health education intervention incorporating novel communication methods such as pocket awareness cards. The impact of the intervention was assessed through an increment in KAP scores, qualitative interviews, and surprise visits to the field during their work hours. Results The mean (± SD) scores in terms of knowledge (4.29 ± 1.77 vs. 7.17 ± 1.02; p < 0.01), attitudes (3.58 ± 1.42 vs. 4.69 ± 0.71; p < 0.01), and practices (1.98 ± 0.84 vs. 4.28 ± 1.12; p < 0.01) significantly increased post-intervention. Qualitative interviews revealed the utility of the intervention, with additional insights on implementation barriers and strategies for the future. Conclusion The study's findings imply that the targeted health education intervention for sanitary workers was effective in improving their knowledge and practices on dengue control. These results demonstrate the potential of future educational initiatives to promote vector control measures among sanitary staff and thereby combat dengue transmission in the community.