Evaluating community needs and the effect of community-based intervention in preventing dengue and chikungunya in urban hotspots of Jammu city: a mixed-method study

Devansh Yadav; Tasvinder Kour; Hemaal Koul; Vinod Sharma; Rajiv K. Gupta; Rashmi Kumari; Sakshi Manhas

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20260024

Authors

Devansh Yadav Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Tasvinder Kour Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Hemaal Koul Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Vinod Sharma Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Rajiv K. Gupta Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Rashmi Kumari Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Sakshi Manhas Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20260024

Keywords:

Dengue, Risk perception, Chikungunya, Mixed method, Hotspots

Abstract

Background: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) remain a major public health concern in India especially with its diverse climate patterns and densely populated urban environments. Understanding community needs and gaps in awareness is crucial for designing interventions that are acceptable and effective. This study aims to evaluate community needs and assess the impact of community-based preventive strategies to reduce the disease burden in urban hotspots of Jammu region.

Methods: The study was conducted over a period of two months in four selected areas. This study adopted a mixed-methods research design to obtain a comprehensive understanding of VBDs among the community, with a specific focus on Dengue and Chikungunya.

Results: A total of 682 participants were assessed for the knowledge, attitude and practices. Most participants correctly identified mosquito transmission and key symptoms, though gaps existed regarding breeding sites and resting habits. A significant proportion overestimated the effectiveness of fogging alone. Government facilities were the preferred choice for treatment, though home remedies were still practiced. Focus group discussions with sanitary workers and Malaria workers highlighted strong community resistance, poor risk perception, and non-cooperation as major barriers to dengue control. Operational challenges included manpower shortages, salary disparities, and inadequate protective equipment, leading to demotivation and health risks. The findings point to behavioural and infrastructure-related constraints affecting effective vector control.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates good awareness but inconsistent preventive practices for dengue and chikungunya, influenced by misconceptions and low risk perception. Community resistance, socio-economic constraints, and operational challenges faced by frontline workers limit effective control.

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