Evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Regarding Mosquito-Borne Diseases in a Rural Population of Coimbatore, Western Tamil Nadu

Gopalakrishnan  Thangavel; Uma  Murugaiyan; Kiruthiga  Veeran Pushpanathan; Meer Ahamed  Ibrahim Munshi; Shilpa Sunil Khanna; M  Rajasekar; P E  Chandra Mouli; Vinothini  K

Gopalakrishnan Thangavel Reader, Department of oral pathology and microbiology, , Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and hospital, The Tamil Nadu Dr MGR medical university, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Uma Murugaiyan Principal, Mangayarkarasi college of arts and science for women, Paravai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Kiruthiga Veeran Pushpanathan Senior lecturer, Department Of Prosthodontics, Asan memorial dental college and hospital, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India
Meer Ahamed Ibrahim Munshi Professor and head, Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and hospital, The Tamil Nadu Dr MGR medical university, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Shilpa Sunil Khanna Reader, Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, The Tamil Nadu Dr MGR medical university, Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
M Rajasekar Assistant professor, Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, ESIC dental college and hospital, kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
P E Chandra Mouli Professor and head, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sri Venkateswara dental college and hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Vinothini K Senior lecturer, Department of conservative dentistry and endodontics, Sri Venkateswara dental college and hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords: Mosquito-Borne Diseases, Knowledge- Attitude-Practice, Rural Population

Abstract

Introduction: Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health problem in India, particularly in rural communities with poor living conditions. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) of the population is essential for strengthening control programmes and reducing disease transmission.
Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding mosquito-borne diseases among residents of a rural area in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 adults aged 18 years and above between January and May 2024. Systematic random sampling was used to select households. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS version 21.
Results: All respondents were aware of mosquito-borne diseases. Chikungunya (40%) was the most commonly recognised disease, followed by malaria (29%), dengue (24%), and filariasis (7%). A significant association was found between educational status and knowledge. Fans (39%) and mosquito repellents (16%) were the most commonly used protective measures, while television was the main source of information. Most participants (97.1%) expressed willingness to seek medical help if infected.
Conclusion: The study revealed good awareness and positive attitudes toward mosquito-borne diseases, but limited knowledge of less common diseases such as Zika and Japanese encephalitis. Strengthened community-based education and targeted interventions are required to improve comprehensive knowledge and promote consistent preventive practices.

Keywords: Mosquito-Borne Diseases, Knowledge- Attitude-Practice, Rural Population

How to cite this article:
Thangavel G, Murugaiyan U, Pushpanathan
K V, Munshi M A I, Khanna S S, M Rajasekar,
P E Chandra Mouli, Vinothini K. Evaluating
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices
Regarding Mosquito-Borne Diseases in a Rural
Population of Coimbatore, Western Tamil Nadu.
J Commun Dis. 2026;58(1):55-59.

DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.24321/0019.5138.202607

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