Effectiveness of school based interventions to control Dengue vector in selected schools of Gampaha District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can spread dengue quickly when appropriate conditions are available. According a published study in the Western Province, large number of dengue vector breeding habitats has been found in schools. Gampaha district of Sri Lanka is considered as the district with the largest residential population and second highest district for dengue incidence in the country. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to develop and determine the effectiveness of school-based interventions to control Dengue vector in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. The study consisted of a baseline survey and three follow-up entomological surveillances. Government schools were selected as 30 intervention schools from Kelaniya (n=15) and Gampaha (n=15) and 30 control groups from Negombo (n=15) and Minuwangoda (n=15) Educational zones of Gampaha District. After the baseline survey school-based interventions were introduced to raise the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) with community participation during 2016 to 2019. After the third follow-up survey Container Index was calculated. There was a significant difference between the number of dry (p<0.001), water holding (p=0.027) and infested containers (p= 0.006) observed at the baseline and the third follow-up surveys at the intervention schools where it was not significant for control schools; KAP and cleanliness at school premises were also enhanced with a better waste management practice at the intervention schools. Therefore, school-based interventions implemented during this research study can be suggested for future island-wide programs.