Knowledge about Aedes mosquitoes, dengue fever and zika virus among primary school students in the dengue cluster areas of Hulu Langat, Selangor

In Malaysia, dengue fever is a common vector-borne disease. Most cases of dengue fever are reported in residential areas. Children are at high risk to be infected because they spend a lot of time around their housing area for outdoor activities. Such areas may have a high number of Aedes mosquitoes. As schools are equipped with infrastructure and medium for effective educational purposes, schools represent the most suitable facilities for learning and teaching process. A crosssectional study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge among students in Hulu Langat on Aedes mosquitoes, dengue fever, and Zika virus. The study also reported on the demographic factors which affected the knowledge level. Based on sample size calculation using G*Power v3.1 software, a total of 171 respondents were needed from the two primary schools involved in the study. Data collection was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire that consisted of two main sections on demography and knowledge about Aedes mosquitoes, dengue fever and Zika virus. From the total score of 55, the mean knowledge score is 34.2 ± 8.38. Based on the median value of 36.0, about 50.9% of respondents had satisfactory knowledge. From the study, it was found that students from School A, students who had been watching video related to Aedes mosquito, and those with history of dengue infection among family members had a significantly better knowledge score (p < 0.01). In conclusion, knowledge about Aedes mosquitoes and related illnesses need to be enhanced through a comprehensive module and effective educational materials that can serve as a reliable source of i nformation for primary school students

Exploring community needs in combating aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever: a study with urban community in the recurrent hotspot area

Abstract Background Aedes mosquitoes are the main vector of dengue infection, a global health threat affecting millions of people annually. Conventional prevention and control methods against dengue outbreaks have only achieved marginal success. Recognizing the complex issue at hand, a multilevel participatory approach is crucial. Thus, alternative strategies that involve community engagement are increasingly being considered and attempted. While community-based vector control programs have been conducted, sustaining behavioral changes among the population remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify the specific community needs in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever as a basis to guide the development of community-driven initiatives and foster a deeper sense of ownership in the fight against dengue. Methods Between 1 August 2022 and 30 November 2022, we conducted a study in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, using a mixed-method design. All participants consented to the study, which comprised 27 participants (FGDs) and 15 participants (IDIs). The IDIs included two participants with a history of dengue fever, one community leader, one faith leader, seven local authorities, and four district health officers. Semi-structured interviews and discussions were performed among stakeholders and community members recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. All interviews were audio-recorded before being analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results These results derived from qualitative data explored the perspectives and needs of communities in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, including community members, leaders, and health officers. The study identified the necessity of decisive actions by authorities to address the impact of the dengue epidemic, the importance of community engagement through partnerships and participatory approaches, the potential benefits of incentives and rewards to enhance community participation, and the need for sustained community engagement and education, especially via the involvement of young people in prevention efforts. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of effective strategies against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. Conclusions In short, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders in the fight against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. The approach should incorporate efforts to raise awareness, provide practical resources, and foster community responsibility. The active involvement of teenagers as volunteers can contribute to long-term prevention efforts. Collaboration, resource allocation, and community engagement are crucial for effective dengue control and a healthier environment

Knowledge and practices regarding Aedes control amongst residents of dengue hotspot areas in Selangor: a cross-sectional study

Dengue fever is endemic and remains a public health concern in Malaysia. The highest number of dengue cases occurred in Selangor in 2015. The majority of hotspot and outbreak areas in Malaysia were located in residential areas. Despite the high number of dengue prevalence in Malaysia, evidence for the level of community knowledge and practice of methods for Aedes control and prevention in the country remains scant. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the demographic factors associated with the knowledge and practice of Aedes control and prevention methods. It also aimed to assess the associations and relationships between the public knowledge and practice of Aedes control and preventive activities involving Aedes larvae ovitraps (ALOTs), Mousticide, Denguard and other methods. Two residential areas that were considered as dengue hotspots were selected for the introduction of Aedes control and prevention programs. A sample size was calculated using G*power and a total of 152 residents who attended the dengue awareness events held at Section 3 and Section 8, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, were recruited. A purposive sampling approach was adopted, and data were collected by using a pretested questionnaire with three subsections on sociodemographic information and on the knowledge and practice of Aedes control and prevention methods. No statistically significant (p>0.05) relationship between demographic factors and knowledge and practice scores was found. The results of χ2 square test showed a strong (φ-coefficient = 0.605) and significant (p<0.001) association between knowledge and practice scores. In addition, a strong and significant positive correlation (r=0.648, p<0.001) existed between knowledge and practice scores. In conclusion, health promotion programs that focus on educating the public regarding the use of Aedes larvae ovitraps (ALOTs), Mousticide, Denguard and other methods to prevent and control Aedes mosquitoes and that involve multiple stakeholders, such as government officials and responsible authorities, and the active participation of communities are crucial in the war against Aedes

Climate Change and Environmental Education: Stance from Science Teachers

This study investigated the depth of climate change and environmental education (CCEE) in the current syllabus implemented in Malaysia from the perspectives of teachers, which is an extension to a study entitled ‘Impact of Climate Change on Children: A Malaysian Perspective’. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with a pool of teachers selected across Malaysia. Due to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO), the respondents were chosen purposively via advertisements posted on social media that targeted science teachers who taught Forms 4 or 5 CCEE-related subjects. The interview sessions were conducted online from June to July 2021. The recorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized into themes deductively based on the UNESCO-Education for Sustainable Development for 2030 toolbox. The findings yielded five themes, namely, building the capacities of educators, empowering, and mobilizing youth, accelerating local-level actions, and advancing policy. Most of the teachers perceived that the Secondary School Standards-based Curriculum (KSSM) had improved but that the focus should be on a student-centered approach rather than exam orientation. There was a lack of awareness of climate change and environmental action in the science textbook. In conclusion, a comprehensive curriculum, as well as empowerment among teachers and students in a conducive environment for CCEE can spawn proactive action by Malaysian students

Climate Change and Environmental Education: Stance from Science Teachers

This study investigated the depth of climate change and environmental education (CCEE) in the current syllabus implemented in Malaysia from the perspectives of teachers, which is an extension to a study entitled &lsquo;Impact of Climate Change on Children: A Malaysian Perspective&rsquo;. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with a pool of teachers selected across Malaysia. Due to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO), the respondents were chosen purposively via advertisements posted on social media that targeted science teachers who taught Forms 4 or 5 CCEE-related subjects. The interview sessions were conducted online from June to July 2021. The recorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized into themes deductively based on the UNESCO-Education for Sustainable Development for 2030 toolbox. The findings yielded five themes, namely, building the capacities of educators, empowering, and mobilizing youth, accelerating local-level actions, and advancing policy. Most of the teachers perceived that the Secondary School Standards-based Curriculum (KSSM) had improved but that the focus should be on a student-centered approach rather than exam orientation. There was a lack of awareness of climate change and environmental action in the science textbook. In conclusion, a comprehensive curriculum, as well as empowerment among teachers and students in a conducive environment for CCEE can spawn proactive action by Malaysian students

Exploring community behaviours and stakeholder challenges in engaging communities with dengue prevention behaviour in Malaysia: implementation research for a qualitative study with a community-based participatory research design

Objectives To use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design to explore local community behaviours and stakeholders’ challenges in engaging communities in dengue prevention behaviours in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.Design This CBPR design in implementation comprised in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Themes were identified from the data with inductive and deductive thematic analysis.Setting FGDs were conducted in local community areas and IDIs were conducted in the local authority (LA) office and the Hulu Langat district health office.Participants All FGD and IDI participants consented to the study, and included health authorities (n=4), LAs (n=7), community leader (n=1), faith leader (n=1), patients diagnosed with dengue (IDIs, n=2) and permanent residents of Hulu Langat who had been exposed to dengue infectious disease (FGDs, n=27).Results The main themes were categorised into community behaviour and stakeholder challenges. The community behaviour-related themes were awareness of dengue disease and Aedes mosquitoes, perception of risk and severity, and involvement of authorities. The themes related to stakeholder challenges were resource constraints and capacity issues, jurisdictional constraints and coordination, and educational dissemination and vandalism.Conclusions The actions of the authorities shape community and stakeholder behaviours. Effective communication, including clear and aesthetically pleasing messages, motivates individuals to take appropriate actions. It is crucial for the authorities to engage in inclusive communication and consider diverse perspectives, such as those of residents and individuals exposed to dengue infection. Authorities that provide accurate and unbiased information foster transparency and enable informed decision-making by all stakeholders