Vol. 2, Issue 3, Part B (2015)

Author(s): Maria Nelliyanil, Nitin Joseph, Srinivas R, Diwaker singh, Manjula Anil, Jayaram S

Abstract: Background: Mosquito-borne diseases are a major public health problem. The boom of construction industry has increased the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases. This has lead to considerable economic, ecological, and public health impacts. The objective of the present study was to assess the perceptions and practises regarding mosquito bite prevention and also to assess the average monthly expenditure towards mosquito bite prevention. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among the construction workers of an urban field practice of a private medical college. From the randomly selected 15 construction sites, 177 participants were interviewed regarding perceptions practises and expenditure towards mosquito bite prevention methods. Results: Majority of the population belonged to the age group of 16 to 35 years, with mean age of 32 years (sd =10). Majority of the study population resided at Katcha (97%) houses. Most of the respondents perceived mosquitoes as a nuisance (94.9%) and were aware that it transmitted disease. Mosquito net (45%) was the most common method used for mosquito bite prevention followed by coil. Most of the participants stated that artificial and contaminated water collection water collection were present in their surroundings. The mean monthly expenditure for mosquito bite prevention reported in the study was INR 104. Twenty one per cent provided history of mosquito-borne disease in the family in the last one year, of which malaria was the most prevalent disease followed by dengue. Conclusion: Temporary settlements of the construction workers which lack adequate sanitation is a major cause for the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases.