PATTERN, COSTS AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF PERSONAL PROTECTION MEASURES AGAINST MOSQUITOES IN RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITIES OF TRIVANDRUM DISTRICT OF KERALA

Abstract

Background: Vector borne diseases are a major health problem in India. Personal protection measures (PPM) have become important tool against vector borne diseases.

Objectives: The use and pattern of personal protection measures against mosquitoes and the socio- demographic factors influencing its usage were studied. The average monthly expenditure per household on them was assessed.

Materials and Method: A cross sectional Study was done during November-December 2010 among rural and urban communities in Trivandrum district of Kerala.

Results: 98% of the people in the study community perceived mosquitoes as a problem. Most (80%) of the rural and all of the urban households reported using at least one personal protection measure against mosquitoes. Fumes (60%) were the popular method in the rural whereas liquid vaporizer (62%) was commonly used in the urban. Place of residence was an important predictor of use of PPM. Rural and urban household on an average spent Rs 16.85 and Rs 74.64 per month respectively. Average expenditure on PPM in rural area is 0.31% and that of urban is 0.15% of the family income.

Conclusion: The study found that the uses of personal protection measures were high in urban area as compared to rural area. Urban households also spend more on PPM as compared to rural counterparts.