Socio-Demographic study of Dengue and Encephalitis in Assam: Understanding the impact of Socio-Economic factors on disease prevalence
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Dengue and Japanese-B-Encephalitis (JE) are Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) that cause public health challenges in rural India with severe socio-economic challenges and health impacts. Assam, a North Eastern state of India is known for its sub-tropical hot and humid conditions that facilitate rapid transmission and survival of disease-carrying vectors. The present study employed the Socio-Economic Systems (SES) framework to explore the key determinants associated with the prevalence of Dengue and Encephalitis in state's diverse environment condition, including urban, peri-urban and rural areas. The study revealed the demographic details, housing conditions, vector control practices offered to households, and community practices in three districts of Assam. Our analysis revealed significant relationships between water supply, water storage systems, and vector breeding site among three districts. METHODS: The study involved 3600 households in three disease prone districts-Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Karbi Anglong to see the difference in community knowledge and attributes towards Dengue and JE. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, observation method in Open Data Kit (ODK) platform. Chi-square test was employed to determine district-wise variations. RESULTS: Chi-square showed significant district-wise variations in water supply in households, water storage system, vector breeding sites, mosquito control practices and socio-demographic characteristics. Despite dense vegetation cover, cases of mosquito-borne diseases recorded low in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. However, livestock rearing in Dibrugarh poses a threat of Encephalitis cases. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: The identified factors generated during the study can inform the development of targeted intervention strategies, ultimately aiding in the vector control and prevention of Dengue and Encephalitis in Assam's rural and peri-urban areas.
Source: Journal of Vector Borne Diseases
Authors: Nipen Nayak, Sharadindu Bordoloi, Jyoti Soreng, Bitupon Baruah, Biplob Sarmah, Manash Pratim Sarmah, Syeda Nur Asma Ahmed, Shabnam Kharia, Seuj Dohutia
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411133801