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From “Infodemics” to Health Promotion: A Novel Framework for the Role of Social Media in Public Health | AJPH | Vol. 110 Issue 9 (aphapublications.org)

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Application of the COMBI Strategy: An Alternative for the Prevention of Dengue

Velásquez-Serra G.C., Preciado-Velásquez O., Realpe A., Aizaga-Ballesteros M.Y., Llangari Cujilema J.L., Preciado Cañas O.E.

American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease. 2018, 6(1), 30-36. DOI: 10.12691/ajeid-6-1-6

Received September 28, 2018; Revised November 04, 2018; Accepted November 23, 2018

Abstract

In order to achieve behavioral changes related to the prevention and control of dengue (COMBI strategy), there are not bibliographic references known in ethnic and afro-descendant communities of Ecuador. The main objective of this research was to train communities about this prevention strategy, promote community participation for the elimination of the vector transmitter and disease, as well as prioritize and refer cases. It was a descriptive and cross-sectional investigation. The sample: formed by the family heads of the "Chachi" (Naranjal de Canande) and afro-descendants (Malympia) communities of the Quinindé Canton. The information was collected with an instrument that involved aspects such as: personal data, level of education, ethnic group, occupation and general knowledge of dengue. The data was recorded in a table with Microsoft Excel and analyzed with Statgraphics Plus 5.1. The survey in Canandé and Malimpia was applied to 97.7% and 97.9% of the dwellings, respectively. The registered female gender predominated (57.95% and 68.04%) respectively. For the Chachi and Afro population groups, ages between 5-9 years were more relevant (24.32 and 41.93%) individually. The Chachi community contributed more response data to the contained items, such as: Do you know the name of the dengue mosquito? Is there anyone in your home who has suffered from Dengue? (n = 94, 96.90%). In Malimpia, 67% of the housewives participated learning the washing and brushing of internal walls of the buckets. Both communities detected low tanks as the most frequent breeding place.

1. Introduction

Dengue is a viral infection caused by a virus transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito( Aedes aegypti). It is an endemic disease caused by an arbovirus of the family Flaviridae 1. This virus replicates in the target organs, infecting leukocytes and lymphatic tissues, then the virus is released and circulates in the blood. The infection causes flu-like symptoms and sometimes evolves into a condition that, depending on the severity, could become the so-called "severe dengue" or hemorrhagic dengue 3.

It is a widespread infection that occurs in all tropical and subtropical regions of the planet 3. According to the Dengue and Severe Dengue technical document, it is estimated that the number of people affected annually by this disease varies between 50 and 100 million people, with an estimated of half million people requiring medical attention for presenting this severe form of the disease with a mortality rate of 2.5% 11. The incidence of dengue has increased 30 times in the last 50 years, as well as in the geographical distribution 5, 11.

The COMBI Strategy is a methodology for planning actions of sustained communication and social mobilization 8. It is an innovative approach to communication and social mobilization that incorporates the lessons learned during decades of communication in public health and the experiences of the marketing of communication in the private sector 9. The use of a behavioral focus change for the prevention and control of dengue is a strategic process that is used to identify, promote and facilitate behaviors that may have a positive and significant impact 10.

In relation to other experiences of application in the Region, the COMBI guide for Dengue uses the experiences of 12 countries of Southeast Asia and the region of the Americas to illustrate their steps 6. Similarly, Mosquera et al. 13 in Barranquilla, Colombia, analyzed the psychosocial factors that influence the risk practices that exist for dengue in these municipalities. The project was carried out to raise awareness of the COMBI methodology with the purpose of improving the effectiveness and sustainability of dengue fever control programs, through a participatory communication strategy based on local communication resources. Sánchez et al. 14 in the city of Havana-Cuba, applied this strategy in order to contribute to the knowledge of how to organize effective community control of Aedes aegypti, and the prevention of dengue. The methodology was based on systematizing other cuban experiences, the approaches of action research and popular education for capacity building and for the development of intersectorial community participation. As a result of the research, it was reflected that the members of the community recognized the utility of community participation in the solution of local problems and in particular for the control of the vector Aedes aegypti.

Likewise, San Martin and Brathwaite-Dick 15, offer an analysis of the Integrated Management Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Dengue (EGI-dengue), approved at the 44th Directing Council of the Pan American Health and its main preliminary results by country include: greater coordination within the ministries, both from the technical and managerial point of view, greater coordination with other sectors, especially with the municipalities, better coordination with organized community groups and the implementation in practice of new local communication projects to change habits and behaviors related to dengue, an increase the capacity to mobilize resources, which requires taking into account the costs of activities, tasks and facilitates negotiation. Peru exhibits the experience of how to impact on the behavior of the population through the COMBI strategy for the prevention and control of Dengue in Pampas Grande and Pampas del Hospital in a work carried out during the years 2006-2008 16 emphasizing among the behaviors to modify, that the women housewives of the mentioned localities, improve in the practice of the washing of the containers where water is stored. As a result, 50% (3000) of the households of Pampa Grande and Pampas de Hospital, every five days, wash and brush with detergent the internal walls of the tanks and plastic tanks where they store water. Similarly, the development of new skills and abilities in issues of community participation, education and anthropological research and an increase in the response capacity and the incorporation of new tools for epidemiological surveillance, such as the lifting of fast aedic indexes (LIRAa) in Brazil and the new Mosquitrap traps to calculate the A e. aegypti index in adults 17.

In Ecuador, one of the first projects applying the COMBI strategy, was executed in the Housing Cooperative Guayas and Quil II in Guasmo Sur, Province of Guayas 19 called scope on the execution of the COMBI Plan. The results about the implementation revealed among others that the low tanks are the main generators of Aedes aegypti and consequently the proposed behavioral objective was to confirm that 100% of the housewives cooperatives wash and brush the low tanks once a week containing water and keep it properly covered. Esmeraldas is one of the Provinces of Ecuador where dengue is endemic.

Motivated that in the Province of Esmeraldas, even less in ethnic communities, no bibliographical references related to the application of the COMBI strategy have been found, the main objective of this research was to train the communities about the strategy, apply the methodology for the prevention of dengue and promote community participation through training and allusive messages to improve the knowledge society has about health education related to the vector transmitting dengue and disease. This research aims to improve the quality of understanding of each person and encourage community participation, to have a greater discernment about the disease.

2. Material and Methods

It was a descriptive investigation, known as the one where the data are described and these should have an impact on the lives of the people around 22. Also, it is a field research, since it is done in the site where the object of study is located 21 where the data are collected transversally, since it implied observations made in a single moment of the investigation 22.

Quinindé, is an intermediate city located at 190 meters above sea level, with an average temperature of 25°C 26. The rainfall is 2297 mm per year. 27 The canton is divided into urban or rural parishes and is represented by the Parish Councils before the Municipality of Quinindé. The urban parish is represented by Rosa Zarate. The rural parishes include: Cube, Chura, Malimpia, La Unión and Viche 23. It represents 22.9% of the total of the province of Esmeraldas inhabitants respectively 26. 74.4% of its population resides in the rural area. It is characterized for being a young population. Malimpia, is an Afro-descendant community. The parish bases the economic development of its inhabitants mainly on agricultural and livestock activities 25. Naranjal de Canandé, on the other hand, is a community inhabited by the Chachi ethnic group, a characteristic group that lives in the jungle area of northwest Esmeraldas. They are dedicated to hunting, fishing, collecting wild edible fruits and making handicrafts.

Before the application of the strategy in each community, three meetings (trainings) and a talk were held, aimed to diffuse the most outstanding aspects of the vector and the disease. For the collection of the information, a structured instrument was designed in sections (items) that consisted of aspects such as: Item 1: generalities about the agent, the vector and the biological cycle of the mosquito. Item 2: signs and symptoms of dengue, treatment, warning signs and patient care. Item: 3 measures of prevention and control of dengue: management of the environment, use of a mosquito net, use of repellent, washing of containers, search and elimination of hatcheries, home visits and education to other people. The data obtained was systematized in a master table made in Microsoft Excel for later, analyzed in the statistical processor Statgraphics Plus 5.1 represented in frequency distributions and shown in statistical tables. The proportions of each of the variables of knowledge and practices in the interviews were calculated and were associated each one of the variables under study according to the communities of origin through the x2 square test. Significant differences were considered with p < 0.05, with a confidence level of 95%.

3. Results

Table 1. Distribution of the surveyed population according to age and gender group. COMBI strategy Alternative for the prevention of dengue. Communities Naranjal de Canandé and Malimpia. August September. Year 2016

In relation to the distribution of the population surveyed in the dwellings, according to age groups it was observed that in the Naranjal de Canandé community, the group of 5-9 years prevailed (17.04% = 15 cases), followed by those with 25 -29 years (14.77% = 13 cases). Likewise, in the Malimpia community, the same group of 5 to 9 years prevailed (21.65% = 21 cases), followed also by the group of 25 to 29 years (18.55% = 18 cases). Regarding gender, in both communities the female gender prevailed in Naranjal de Canandé, (57.95% = 51 cases), in Malimpia, (68.04% = 66 cases). Meanwhile, the male sex in Naranjal de Canandé was 42.05% (37 cases) and in Malimpia the proportion was 31.96% (31 cases). By grouping the age variable into 5 intervals (according to age groups), no statistically significant association was found between the community of origin and the age groups (X2 = 1.34, 4 gl, P value = 0.8000> 0, 05); nor was there a statistically significant association between the community of origin and gender (X2 = 2.01; 1 gl; P value = 0.1000> 0.05).

In this way, 5 intervals were formed:

In the Naranjal Community of Canandé 100% of the surveys indicated that the predominant ethnic group was "chachi", also, in Malimpia all respondents were afro-descendants.

Table 2 shows the results of each of the questions contained in the instrument that were applied in the Naranjal de Canandé and Malimpia communities during the study period. As for the question, do you know the word dengue? the community of Malimpia obtained the highest percentage of affirmative answers (87.62% = 85 responses) while the community of Naranjal de Canandé recorded the highest percentage of negative responses (95.45% = 84).

Regarding question No. 2, do you know or how do you think dengue is transmitted? The Naranjal de Canandé community contributed a greater number of negative responses (98.86% = 87), in contrast to the Malimpia community, which recorded the highest number of affirmative answers (79.38% = 77).

The total number of respondents from the community of Naranjal de Canandé do not know the name of the vector that transmits the disease (preg 3) or where the dengue mosquito reproduces (preg 4) (100% = 88 cases). In the case of the Malimpia community, although they do not know how the vector is called (3.09% = 3), they do know where it reproduces (62.88% = 61).

Regarding question No. 5, if any person in their home had suffered the disease, both communities denied this reality: Naranjal de Canandé (97.72% = 86) and Malimpia (96.90% = 94). Regarding the knowledge of the symptoms of a person with dengue (preg 6), respondents from the community of Naranjal de Canandé denied knowing them (96.59% = 85), while a good number of inhabitants from the community of Malimpia, affirmed knowing them (70.10% = 68).

Regarding the existence of water supply in dwellings (preg 7) the people of both communities answered affirmatively: Naranjal de Canandé (96.59% = 85 cases) and Malimpia (91.75% = 89).

Table 3 shows the results of the application of the strategy in the selected communities. When evaluating the answers to the prior knowledge of the strategy, it was observed that in the community Naranjal de Canandé (n = 1) 1.13% of the informants knew the strategy and (n = 87) 98.86% did not know it. Not so, in Malimpia when (n = 87) 89.69% were familiar with this tool and (n = 10) 10.30% did not know that it existed. When evaluating after applied this tool in the community Naranjal de Canandé (n = 78) 88,63% applied it; however, (n = 10) 11.36% did not apply it. In Malimpia, (n = 97) 92.78% was applied in the whole community.

Table 2. Answers to the questions contained in the survey. COMBI strategy Alternative for the prevention of dengue in the Naranjal de Canandé and Malimpia communities. August September. Year 2016

Table 3. Evaluation of results. COMBI strategy Alternative for the prevention of dengue. Communities Naranjal de Canandé and Malimpia. August -September 2016

4. Discussion

The infection generates long-lasting immunity against the specific serotype of the virus. However, it does not protect against other serotypes and may later exacerbate hemorrhagic dengue. In dispersed communities such as those shown here, health systems designed to contain the disease can not maintain permanent, active and supervised surveillance for various reasons, perhaps the availability of resources for mobilization is more important. However, communication strategies would mitigate the problem.

Understood as a learning process of this field experience, it was appreciated that both communities do not know the name of the mosquito that transmits Dengue. This extremely important information demonstrates that preventive activities aimed at knowing the transmitting vector of the disease led from the health sector and operated from the school should be reinforced. On the other hand, it is clear in this intervention that in both locations they would like to participate in the control of dengue. This attitude could be used as a training strength for each geographical area evaluated, considering the potential of training and the influence of Chachi missionaries in the area, in contrast to Malimpia who receive this support influenced by the Centralized Autonomous Government through the health commission. The work team was able to show support in these and other activities aimed at containing epidemics.

Although, in both communities, the family heads revealed a very low percentage of relatives with dengue, and for this reason the lack of information on this topic suggests that most people in Canandé may not know how the disease is transmitted and how to prevent it. Also answer the question of why in Malimpia, you do not know how the transmitting mosquito is called? These results show the lack of information and knowledge of each of the inhabitants, on the subject in the communities evaluated. However, in Malimpia most people knew about this prevention strategy and applied it correctly because they did not know how the mosquito transmitter was called.

The COMBI strategy, effectively applied in the community of Naranjal de Canandé had been heard before in a very small proportion, at 1.13%, even though inhabitants were found to be unaware that it was dengue, as reflected in the survey. With the information provided, the strategy was explained and made known, about what it was about and how it could help them to avoid diseases, not just dengue. The lack of information that was presented in this community, made difficult the learning of the inhabitants but not impossible, for that reason, the training focused on informing them and the importance of each message received to prevent dengue. It was observed that 77% applied it affirmatively; however, the remaining 11% did not apply it; so it could be expressed that there was a positive balance with the application of the strategy in this community.

In the community of Malimpia, a different response was found by the community since they knew it was dengue and part of them knew what the strategy was about, so when applied in the community, it facilitated the work. Perhaps, the most relevant aspect was knowing that most of the people who live in this community participated through washing, brushing tanks, swimming pools, cleaning their homes and surroundings as well as informing and motivating their neighbors.

An important aspect observed is that the community relates the disease to the vector in its adult state, but not to the early stages. The informants indicated that the health personnel should participate efficiently in the actions of prevention and control of dengue in a timely and conscientious manner to obtain the expected results. Consider that control actions are carried out throughout the year and not only on dates where there is a greater rebound in the number of cases. The majority of the respondents indicated their willingness to collaborate in the control of Aedes aegypti, although a minority would not act accordingly.

Finally, encourage the participation of the entire population, promoting the importance of keeping their homes free of useless objects, which can serve as breedings for mosquitoes.

5. Conclusions

This research allowed to apply the COMBI strategy in the communities under study. Each of the communities was trained with the strategy. It was possible to appreciate that the previous knowledge about prevention strategies does not guarantee the obtention of the learning in the proper case of the vector, reason why it must be monitored and evaluated periodically. This approach can help in a strategic and structured way, to plan, implement, monitor mobilization and social communication, to achieve very specific behavioral results related to the prevention and control of diseases not only of dengue but of other communicable diseases.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Health Office of the Province of Esmeraldas. To the Technical University of Esmeraldas, "Luis Vargas Torres" especially to the teaching team of the Nursing Career for the support and collaboration received in the implementation of this research. To the Ministry of Science and Technology (SENESCYT) through the Prometeo Project, for financing this research. To the afro and chachi communities for the achievement of the objectives set.

Published with license by Science and Education Publishing, Copyright © 2018 Velásquez-Serra G.C., Preciado-Velásquez O., Realpe A., Aizaga-Ballesteros M.Y., Llangari Cujilema J.L. and Preciado Cañas O.E.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Cite this article:

Normal Style

Velásquez-Serra G.C., Preciado-Velásquez O., Realpe A., Aizaga-Ballesteros M.Y., Llangari Cujilema J.L., Preciado Cañas O.E.. Application of the COMBI Strategy: An Alternative for the Prevention of Dengue. American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease. Vol. 6, No. 1, 2018, pp 30-36. http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajeid/6/1/6

MLA Style

G.C., Velásquez-Serra, et al. "Application of the COMBI Strategy: An Alternative for the Prevention of Dengue." American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 6.1 (2018): 30-36.

APA Style

G.C., V. , O., P. , A., R. , M.Y., A. , J.L., L. C. , & O.E., P. C. (2018). Application of the COMBI Strategy: An Alternative for the Prevention of Dengue. American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease, 6(1), 30-36.

Chicago Style

G.C., Velásquez-Serra, Preciado-Velásquez O., Realpe A., Aizaga-Ballesteros M.Y., Llangari Cujilema J.L., and Preciado Cañas O.E.. "Application of the COMBI Strategy: An Alternative for the Prevention of Dengue." American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 6, no. 1 (2018): 30-36.

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Application of the COMBI Strategy: An Alternative for the Prevention of Dengue

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In order to achieve behavioral changes related to the prevention and control of dengue (COMBI strategy), there are not bibliographic references known in ethnic and afro-descendant communities of Ecuador. The main objective of this research was to train communities about this prevention strategy, promote community participation for the elimination of the vector transmitter and disease, as well as prioritize and refer cases.

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