INTEGRATED COMMUNITY-BASED ASSESSMENT OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RISK, PUBLIC AWARENESS, AND SUSTAINABLE VECTOR CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES IN HAMIRPUR DISTRICT, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya remain important public health concerns in India. Effective prevention depends not only on vector-control measures but also on community knowledge, attitudes, preventive practices, risk perception, and participation. This study assessed the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) related to mosquito-borne diseases among adults in Himachal Pradesh. A descriptive, cross-sectional community-based online survey framework was developed for 500 adults aged ≥18 years from rural and urban areas of Himachal Pradesh. A bilingual structured questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, preventive practices, risk perception, and community engagement. Knowledge was evaluated using 20 questions, while attitude, practice, risk perception, and community engagement were assessed using structured items. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Among the 500 simulated participants, the largest age group was 26–35 years (37.0%), while females constituted 53.2% of the sample. Undergraduate participants represented 36.0%, and 58.0% were from urban areas. The mean knowledge score was 74.5%, with 72.4% classified as having Good or Very Good knowledge. Attitudes were generally favourable, with a mean score of 3.81/5 and 71.8% showing Positive or Highly Positive attitudes. However, preventive practices were comparatively weaker, with a mean score of 59.9% and approximately one-third of participants classified in the Fair or Poor practice categories. The mean risk-perception score was 3.63/5, while community engagement averaged 66.2%. The findings indicate a generally favourable level of knowledge and attitudes toward mosquito-borne disease prevention, but a clear gap remains between knowledge and actual preventive practices. Strengthening practical, community-based health education, particularly among underserved rural populations, may help improve preventive behaviours, early recognition of symptoms, and community preparedness. Because the dataset is simulated, these findings should be interpreted as a methodological and academic demonstration rather than as population estimates.