Internal migration related factors among dengue patients in Western Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, Sri Lanka has experienced a surge in the incidence of dengue. Among other reasons, internal migration of people into dengue-high risk areas is thought to be an important factor for the rising case load. OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors associated with internal migration of low-income adults among dengue patients in Western Province, Sri Lanka METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Western Province in November 2017. The study population consisted of 473 confirmed adult dengue patients. Internal migrant was defined as an adult who has moved from his original place of residence and been living in the district migrated to for less than five years. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: There were 53 (11.2%) internal migrants belonging to low-income group among the dengue patients. Of them, 30 (56.6%) stated that the reason for migration was employment while 9 (17%) indicated education. Being of age ≤30 years, coupled with low educational level showed a statistically significant association with internal migration of adults having dengue fever. Although there were more males than females, and more displaced than non-displaced among the internal migrants, these were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Younger age and low educational level were associated with internal migration mainly due to employment.