A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON USAGE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES AND TO ANALYZE THE REASONS THEREON AMONG THE PATIENTS ATTENDING FEVER CLINIC IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE ,CHENNAI

Abstract : Background Mosquito borne diseases are the most important public health problem affecting both urban and rural areas. In India, more than 40 million people suffer from mosquito borne diseases annually. At the Individual level the usage of personal protective measures is an important method to prevent mosquito borne diseases. Mosquito Coils, Repellents, Liquid Vaporizers, Mosquito net.. etc were some the personal protective measures available in the market. Aims To know the usage and pattern of personal protective measures against mosquito bites and identify the reasons for usage and non usage of personal protective measures among the patients attending Fever OPD in Rajiv Gandhi Government General hospital. Methods A Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted during October 2011 among 150 patients attending the Fever OPD. A semi structured, pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data .Results 93 were using any one of the personal protective measure .Among them only 62 were using the method daily. 31 was using the method weekly once or when mosquito breeding was increasing. Regarding the methods, Mosquito coil was the commonest one used followed by Liquid vaporizers, Repellents, Mosquito net. The average Monthly Expenditure to purchase the PP measures was 59 Rupees. Statistical significant association was observed between the pattern of usage (daily usage of personal protective measures) and socio economic status, type of house, mode of disposal of wastes from the house and perceptions regarding prevention of mosquito borne diseases. Conclusion The overall usage was high among the patients attending Fever OPD in RGGGH but they were not using the method regularly. This attitude should be changed by appropriate health education. IEC activities should be provided to promote the usage of personal protective measures. Keyword : Personal protective measures, Fever OPD.