Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Dengue fever remains one of the most significant vector-borne diseases affecting urban populations, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Characterized by periodic outbreaks, the disease places immense pressure on healthcare systems and presents a serious public health challenge. Rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management and high population density create ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito, the primary vector of dengue.

Community awareness and preventive practices are central components of dengue control strategies. Despite widespread information campaigns, knowledge and behavior gaps continue to undermine prevention efforts in many urban settlements. Assessing community awareness allows public health officials to design targeted interventions and adapt communication strategies to local needs. Most dengue awareness campaigns focus on educating households about eliminating stagnant water, covering water containers, using mosquito repellent and maintaining clean surroundings. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on how well communities understand the risks and how consistently they implement recommended practices. Studies in various urban settings reveal that while many residents are aware of dengue symptoms, fewer comprehend the mosquito life cycle or the importance of interrupting breeding sites.

Socioeconomic disparities influence both awareness and prevention. High-income households may adopt preventive practices more consistently due to better access to information and resources. Conversely, low-income populations living in congested settlements often face environmental limitations that make mosquito control difficult. Inadequate sanitation services, unreliable water supply and limited waste disposal options exacerbate the problem. Community participation is essential for successful dengue prevention. Neighborhood clean-up drives, community-led surveillance and volunteer-based awareness groups have shown promise in reducing mosquito breeding sites. When community members take ownership of prevention activities, interventions tend to be more sustainable and culturally aligned.

Communication strategies also play an important role. Traditional methods such as posters, radio announcements and community meetings remain useful, but digital platforms are increasingly effective in reaching younger populations. Social media, mobile apps and SMS reminders can disseminate timely information, especially during outbreak seasons. However, the digital divide may limit reach among older adults or low-income residents. Government support and intersectoral collaboration further strengthen prevention efforts. Health departments, local governments, schools and private organizations must work together to ensure adequate surveillance, early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms. Training community volunteers and integrating dengue education into school curricula can help sustain long-term awareness.

Environmental improvement is another key factor. Addressing urban waste management, improving drainage systems and ensuring regular garbage collection can significantly reduce mosquito breeding sites. Community-level environmental interventions complement individual household practices and create a more comprehensive prevention framework. To design effective dengue prevention strategies, periodic community assessments must be conducted. Surveys, focus groups and observational studies can help identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practices. Such assessments enable public health professionals to tailor interventions to specific neighborhoods, thereby enhancing their impact.

Dengue prevention in urban settlements relies heavily on community awareness and consistent implementation of preventive practices. While knowledge of dengue symptoms is widespread, gaps remain in understanding mosquito behavior and environmental risk factors. Strengthening community engagement, improving communication strategies and addressing socioeconomic barriers are essential for effective disease control. A coordinated approach involving residents, health authorities and community organizations offers the most sustainable solution to reducing dengue transmission in urban areas.