Investigating the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of the eco-bio-social drivers of dengue virus transmission among residents living in urban São Paulo city, Brazil

Dengue virus (DENV) is a virus that is spread by some mosquitoes in Latin America and the Caribbean. In recent years, DENV has spread rapidly, particularly in Brazil. The climate greatly influences the biology of the mosquito and the virus. On top of that, there are social factors that allow DENV to spread including living in big cities where people are close together with mosquitoes living among them. Research has shown that misconceptions about DENV still exist. An individual’s knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions (KAPP) about transmission pathways, treatment, and prevention can influence dengue infection. This is why it is important to understand the KAPP regarding the ecological, biological, and social (eco-bio-social) drivers of DENV outcomes among members of urban Brazilian communities. It is also critical to understand the relevant socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with dengue KAPP. We are proposing a parallel mixed-methods research project in collaboration between McMaster University in Canada and the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. The implementation of this project will promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, cross-cultural understanding, and policy/public health impact. Findings from this study may inform dengue health education campaigns and vector control awareness in the study region and across the globe.

Faculty Supervisor:

Lawrence Mbuagbaw

Student:

Partner:

Universidade de São Paulo

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: