Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices About Aedes Aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), Vector Of Dengue, Chikungunya And Zika In Villavicencio (Colombia)

Mosquito Aedes aegypti is the most efficient vector in the transmission of dengue, chikungunya and zika in Colombia. Villavicencio, located in the central part of the country, is one of the cities that report more cases of these pathologies. Despite the strategies of communitarian education to control the vector, the number of cases and larval index don’t decrease. Then, it is important to know if the community recognize and apply this knowledge. The main objective was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices about Ae. aegypti in two low income neighborhoods in Villavicencio-Colombia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. The houses were selected randomly and in the event that nobody attended, the next house was selected. Only individuals aged 18 years and above were interviewed using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Informed consent (verbal) was taken from all the respondents and confidentiality was ensured. Additionally, entomological data were recorded in order to calculate the larval indexes at homes: house, container and Breteau index were calculated. 76 houses (309 people inhabiting them) were evaluated. 79,45% (IC95% 68,38-88,02%) of the people surveyed known that a mosquito transmits these diseases but unknown the scientific name and 68% (IC95% 56,22-78,31%) unknown that only the female bites. 81,36% (IC95% 69,09-90,31%) didn´t know the life cycle of the mosquito but are aware that the elimination of breeding sites and destruction of containers with water prevent transmission; 88,46% (IC95% 73,19-90,82%) recognize that the community should be responsible for these control actions at home. But the recommendations are not implemented due to lack of interest (39,51% IC95% 28,81-50,99%) or laziness (27,16% IC95% 17,87-38,19%). The house index was of 39,22% and 41,38% for each neighborhood, and Breteau index was 47,06 and 48,28. The highest percentage of positive breeding sites was for low tanks (62,5 % and 57,14 %) in both neighborhoods. It is necessary to review information campaigns, communication and education promoted in the municipality since they do not reflect the empowerment of its people. These programs need to translate population knowledge about vector borne diseases into positive preventive practices that lead to a reduction in the transmission of dengue, chikv, and zika in these communities. This will require more infrastructure and resources for long-term sustainability.