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Helena J Chapman, BS, Department of Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, University of Florida, 1329 SW 16th Street, P.O. Box 100177, Gainesville, FL 32610-0177, 352-336-6113, hchapman@phhp.ufl.edu
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the personal practices of Cuban and Dominican Republic citizens to reduce risk of contracting the Aedes aegypti mosquito-transmitted infection of Dengue Fever. Design: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample: A convenience sample of 62 Cuban citizens and a purposive sample of 25 Dominican Republic citizens were selected. A 30-question quantitative and qualitative survey examined the daily practices of citizens in regards to vigilance toward mosquitoes. Analysis: SAS analysis suggested variations in subjects with prior exposure/subjects without prior exposure and subjects over the age of 40/subjects under the age of 40. Application of Findings: Common personal protection strategies from mosquitoes, including topical insect repellent, long or tight-fitted clothing, and special lights or candles, were rarely used. Screens and air conditioning were not utilized in these nations, as open doors and windows were used as methods to cool the house from the tropical temperatures. Instead, citizens shared concern over potential mosquito infestation by reducing standing bodies of water outside the house or neighborhood. Collected data identified the daily routines of each subject, activities completed out-of-doors, and personal perspectives on future epidemics and potential eradication. Implications: Personal protection practices must performed within the household to increase protection and reduce infection rate and incidence rate of the population from the mosquito-vector causing Dengue Fever.
Learning Objectives: At the completion of the presentation, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Emerging Diseases, Behavior Modification
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.