02710nas a2200289   4500000000100000008004100001653002100042653001100063653000900074653001900083653001100102653004200113653001100155653003700166653001900203653001200222100001600234700001600250700001800266700001100284245015400295856009000449300001000539490000600549520185100555022001402406       2014                            d10aRural Population10aMexico10aMale10aInsect Control10aHumans10aHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice10aFemale10aDisease Transmission, Infectious10aChagas disease10aAnimals1 aDumonteil E1 aRosecrans K1 aCruz-Martin G1 aKing A00aOpportunities for improved chagas disease vector control based on knowledge, attitudes and practices of communities in the yucatan peninsula, Mexico.  uhttp://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article/asset?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0002763.PDF  ae27630 v83 a<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Chagas disease is a vector-borne parasitic disease of major public health importance. Current prevention efforts are based on triatomine vector control to reduce transmission to humans. Success of vector control interventions depends on their acceptability and value to affected communities. We aimed to identify opportunities for and barriers to improved vector control strategies in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico.</p>

<p><strong>METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: </strong>We employed a sequence of qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding Chagas disease, triatomines and vector control in three rural communities. Our combined data show that community members are well aware of triatomines and are knowledgeable about their habits. However, most have a limited understanding of the transmission dynamics and clinical manifestations of Chagas disease. While triatomine control is not a priority for community members, they frequently use domestic insecticide products including insecticide spray, mosquito coils and plug-in repellents. Families spend about $32 US per year on these products. Alternative methods such as yard cleaning and window screens are perceived as desirable and potentially more effective. Screens are nonetheless described as unaffordable, in spite of a cost comparable to the average annual spending on insecticide products.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: </strong>Further education campaigns and possibly financing schemes may lead families to redirect their current vector control spending from insecticide products to window screens. Also, synergism with mosquito control efforts should be further explored to motivate community involvement and ensure sustainability of Chagas disease vector control.</p>
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