Development of a communication for behaviour impact plan on dengue prevention in the Kurunegala District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Communication for Behaviour Impact (COMBI) is a methodological process that blends strategically a variety of communication interventions intended to engage individuals and families in adopting healthy behaviours and maintaining those behaviours. The objective was to develop a COMBI plan to change the behaviour to prevent dengue in Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka. METHOD: The plan was developed according to World Health Organization’s COMBI planning 10 steps with the scientific evidence and expert opinion. The situation analysis was conducted using mixed-methodology from January to March 2019 among the adults in the highly dengue-endemic area in Kurunegala District. RESULTS: The overall goal of the plan was to contribute to the reduction in morbidity and mortality from dengue disease in the Kurunegala district by improving the dengue prevention behaviours by three months in 2019. After finalizing Specific Behaviour Objectives (SBOs) by conducting Situational Market Analysis for Communication Keys, the plan was developed. The SBOs for the plan were to improve the proper waste management practices according to ‘Three R concept’ (Reduce, Reuse and Recycling) and to improve the dengue prevention practices 30 minutes weekly cleaning. The strategies were to conduct a community empowerment program to improve household waste management and weekly practices on dengue prevention by conducting the administrative mobilization and public relationship, public advocacy, community mobilization, personal selling, advertising, point of service promotion during follow up. Conclusion: Developing a COMBI plan for an area after identification of specific behavioral objectives would be feasible to implement in order to empower the community to prevent dengue in the area.