Evaluation of compliance with dengue fever prevention: the case of Catanduva, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a qualitative survey on dengue fever prevention in an outlying neighborhood of Catanduva, São Paulo, Brazil. The research aimed to identify factors that interfere with on-going preventive practices by local residents. The authors began with a qualitative approach emphasizing preventive work within local women's daily context, mediated by the relationship they establish with vector control agents. The study indicates that to gain greater collaboration in dengue control requires: personalized consideration by both the programs and vector control agents, yet without excluding technical aspects; review of information content and communications methods: and training vector control agents to establish an on-going communications channel between the program and the population. Such factors can influence the population's interest in the prevention programs and minimize community discredit towards vector control activities.