282 - Infrastructure to Evaluate Community Engagement Efforts for an Integrated Vector Management Program

This study assesses the effectiveness of community engagement (CE) strategies in reducing vector-borne diseases, with a specific focus on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. We examine cost-effectiveness and risk communication to the community by comparing traditional CE methods like door-to-door visits and loudspeakers with innovative approaches such as text messages and mobile applications. Fifteen clusters were chosen using two-stage cluster sampling, with traditional, innovative, or control interventions assigned proportionally. Evaluation tools, including KAP surveys, larval indices, and AGO traps, were employed to gauge behavioral changes and mosquito population impact before and after interventions.

Of 451 attempts, 259 houses were visited, ultimately reaching 150 participants across 15 clusters. The interviewed residents consisted mostly of women (67%), with an average age of 57, and 47.3% had an income below $24,999. Before educational interventions, a significant knowledge gap existed between traditional and innovative interventions (p-value: 0.002), but not between traditional control and innovative control. There were no significant differences in attitudes and practices between the intervention groups. In the yard inspections 2,414 artificial containers were identified, with 28% containing water and 11% of those water-containing containers harboring immatures, half of which were pupae. No significant difference (p-value: 0.865) was observed in the number of positive containers between intervention groups. Regarding adult mosquito surveillance, the average number of mosquitoes per trap per week was 13.75 in control clusters, 15.49 in traditional, and 6.38 in innovative, showing a significant difference (< 0.01). Interventions commenced in August 2023, involving 353 houses in the first cycle (144 traditional, 209 innovative). The second cycle targeted only houses in the traditional cluster, impacting 158 houses. The interventions are anticipated to conclude in October, after which KAP and house inspections will be finalized, and entomological data will be analyzed to assess the post-intervention impact.