A cross sectional study to assess perception regarding mosquito borne diseases in urban areas of Belagavi city.

Background: Mosquito borne diseases are one of the major health problems in India. Due to growing population, unplanned urbanization, lack of awareness about the diseases and increasing number of slums in urban areas, the incidence of mosquito borne diseases is increasing simultaneously. To assess knowledge about mosquito borne disease and to impart awareness regarding prevention of mosquito borne diseases in the community.

Methods: The present study was carried out in the urban field practice areas of department of Community Medicine, J. N. Medical College, Belagavi. Data was collected by systemic random sampling. Data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed using proportions.

Results: Out of 360 participants, 45.8 % were in the age group of 20-29; male participants constituted about 56.3% and 43.7% were female. 4.4 % people belong to class I and 41.4 % belongs to class IV socio-economic status. 19.3 % were illiterates and 28.6% lived in Kachha house. 78.33% study subjects knew about mosquitoes borne diseases, 31.3 % people had the knowledge that mosquitoes can cause malaria, dengue and chikungunya, 36.6% consider drainage and garbage as common breeding place. 57.8% people use mosquito coils to prevent mosquito bite. 61.4% had knowledge about disease through TV and newspapers.

Conclusions: Lack of awareness and knowledge about mosquito borne disease in low socio economic status and illiterates and also about breeding sites of mosquitoes.