Cues to Action and Self Efficacy in Dengue Prevention Practices among Adults in Galle Medical Officer of Health Area

Abstract

Background: Dengue is a major public health concern, particularly in the Galle Medical Officer of Health (MOH) region. Despite the continuous dengue prevention programs conducted by the MOH, still there are a high number of cases detected in the region. Assessing the cues to take action and self-efficacy among the community is important to extend the prevention practices to new direction. Objective: To assess the cues to action and self-efficacy in dengue prevention practices among adults in Galle MOH area Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 adults, residing in the Galle MOH area and a convenient sampling method was used. The survey was carried out in high dengue prevalence areas in Galle MOH area. Data were collected through a pre-tested, self- administered questionnaire covering cues to action and self-efficacy using a Likert scale with scores ranging from -2(strongly disagree) to +2(strongly agree) and Chi-square test was used to analyse associations. Results: The sample comprised predominantly of females (75.4%), with a majority (56.6%) identifying as Muslims. Designated living areas as a dengue hotspot (58.8%) and televised programming and news stories about dengue deaths (55.9%) were identified as key motivators. Higher engagement was shown (57.3%) when family members or neighbors were infected, with a significant association between neighbors’ dengue history and cues to action. The mean±SD value for cues to action was 5.72±3.63. The mean±SD value for self-efficacy was 8.15±2.532, with most participants actively engaging in prevention despite work (64.9%) and childcare (64.5%) responsibilities. Even though government support was not adequate 62.8% agreed that they were still motivated to engage in dengue prevention. Neighbors’ history of dengue infection was significantly correlated with self-efficacy (p=0.036). Conclusion: Findings indicated that the previous dengue infection history of individual and community, have strong influences on dengue prevention cues to action and self-efficacy. Despite limited government support, the majority of subjects were highly motivated and actively engaged in prevention activities, even with work and childcare responsibilities. These results highlight the importance of social influence and perceived capability in driving public health behavior.