Community engagement through “student-led science” for dengue prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic in Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDuring 2019-2020 while COVID-19 pandemic, the Americas were facing the biggest dengue fever epidemic in recent history. Traditional vector control programs, based on insecticide application have been insufficient to control the spread of dengue fever. Several studies suggest refocusing on education with the aim of an integrated vector management strategy within the local ecological-community context. We aim to assess community perceptions, knowledge, attitude, preventive practice, and action through student-led science assignments regarding dengue fever, prevention, and socio-ecological factors in temperate Córdoba, Argentina.MethodsThe study was conducted during the COVID-19 quarantine when schools switched to online education for the first time. Several activities through Google Classroom platform included a survey to one student’s family member, and an outdoor activity to assess their attitudes and to clean the backyard and gardens.ResultsSignificant number of respondents developed good preventive practices and increased their knowledge about the vector and disease highlighting that 75% of responders knew that dengue fever was transmitted by a mosquito, 81.96% declared having obtained knowledge regarding dengue and vector through television, 56% affirm that dengue is a severe illness, 67% of respondents admitted that individuals play an important role in the prevention of dengue. Regarding mosquito control activities, 90% of respondents reported turning containers.ConclusionsThis highlights the need for school programs with curricula to address vector biology and the prevention of vector-borne diseases not only during activity periods when mosquitoes batter people but all year long to do real prevention.