Awareness and perception of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti as a dengue control method among residents of Yogyakarta Municipality

Abstract

Dengue is an important communicable disease in Indonesia with an escalating annual incidence. Between 2016 and 2017, a new dengue control method using Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti was implemented in Yogyakarta Municipality. This study aimed to assess community awareness and perception about Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti release as a method of dengue control being implemented in their locality, and to identify the influencing factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2019 among 484 households in Yogyakarta Municipality. Data were gathered using an electronic data collection tool through face-to-face interviews and direct observations under written informed consent. Weighted estimation and finite population correction were applied in the analysis. Approximately, 23.4% of respondents were aware of the recent Wolbachia-based mosquito control program. After being informed about the nature of the control program, 58% of respondents expressed some concern about the possible harmful effects of the release of infected mosquitoes. Concern over possible harmful effects was associated with older age (aOR=1.76, CI=1.04-2.99), a smaller family (aOR=1.86, CI=1.17-2.95), low income (aOR=1.63, CI=1.04-2.57), having an open vegetated area adjacent to the house (aOR=2.02, CI=1.16-3.51), not being aware (aOR=2.26, 95% CI=1.28-3.98) and having low knowledge (aOR=3.00, CI=1.38-6.53) of the Wolbachia-based mosquito control program, and perceiving a recent increase in the mosquito population (aOR=2.94, CI=1.43-6.03). In conclusion, awareness of the Wolbachia-based dengue control activities was low two years after it was implemented, and low knowledge had a strong association with concern over the possible harmful effects of the release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. Long-term community engagement efforts should be made to maintain public awareness and understanding of the Wolbachia-based biocontrol method.