A KAP Study in Pune City Involving School Children as a Strategy for Effective Vector Control in Chikungunya

Background: Chikungunya is a reemerging, debilitating viral disease for which any specific cure or vaccine is not available. There have been massive outbreaks of Chikungunya fever in India in recent past.

Aim: To assess impact of involving school children as change agents in control of Chikungunya vector.

Study area and study design: Community based cross sectional study carried out in 178 houses of school children from 9th standard of Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil school, Katraj, which is a peri-urban area of Pune.

Study duration: From 1st July 2006 to 30th August2006.

Tools for data collection: KAP survey using pre-tested, structured questionnaire and Larval survey.

Statistical analysis: Z test for statistical analyses.

Results: A significant change in knowledge attitude and practices amongst family members of school children towards vector elimination was observed.

Conclusions: If properly involved and guided, school children can be effective change agents towards controlling Chikungunya transmission.