Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Rural Communities on Dengue & Evaluating the Most Effective IEC Method for Its Prevention and Control in Delhi

Ajay Handa; S P Ahir; L R Verma

Ajay Handa Deputy Health Officer, MCD Narela Delhi
S P Ahir Additional Municipal Health Officer, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, India
L R Verma Municipal Health Officer, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, India

Keywords: Dengue Fever, IEC, chaupal meeting, Municipal Corporation of Delhi

Abstract

Background: Aedes mosquito prevalence in rural settings of Delhi is
strongly related to the changing lifestyle and ongoing urbanisation in
rural areas. Adequate awareness of dengue - its signs and symptoms
help in curbing the disease and seeking early and appropriate medical
assistance to save lives.
Methods: The study was conducted in rural areas of 3 zones namely
Narela zone, Najafgarh zone and Civil Lines zone of the Municipal
Corporation of Delhi. For assessing the most suitable Information
Education & Communication (IEC) activity, the knowledge level of

selected individuals was assessed using a semi-structured, self-
administered questionnaire. It was followed by different IEC package

materials. Based on the responses of villagers, the total score of each
villager was calculated. If the mean score of individuals was more than
50% then the villager was marked as having average awareness.
Result: Around 72% of individuals lack awareness regarding Aedes
mosquito breeding habitats and its role, being the vector agent for
dengue fever. Fever was reported by 59% of the study population.
Mosquito-repellent coils and mats were used by 33% of respondents.
Almost all of them used it during nighttime. Awareness about symptoms
of dengue fever improved from 26% of villagers in pre-IEC to 84% of
villagers in the post-IEC survey through the chaupal meeting method
of IEC as compared to other IEC methods.
Conclusion: This study can be an important source of baseline
information. Based on the findings of this study, now MCD may focus
on IEC campaigning through chaupal meetings with villagers to control
the transmission of diseases in villages.

How to cite this article:
Handa A, Ahir S P, Verma L R. Knowledge, Attitudes,
and Practices (KAP) of Rural Communities on
Dengue & Evaluating the Most Effective IEC
Method for Its Prevention and Control in Delhi.
J Commun Dis. 2025;57(1):131-136.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202517

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