Operational And Behavioural Gaps In Mosquito Vector Control In A Forest-Rural Block Of Central India: A Household And Breeding- Habitat Assessment From Devbhog, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases remain a persistent public-health concern in forest-rural landscapes where
ecological suitability for vectors overlaps with operational constraints and household-level behavioural gaps. Devbhog
Block of Gariyaband district, Chhattisgarh, represents such a setting, with scattered rural settlements, agricultural fields,
domestic water-storage practices and forest-fringe habitats. This study assessed vector-control coverage, environmental
risk, breeding-habitat distribution, simple larval observations and community knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) in
selected villages of Devbhog Block.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional field assessment was conducted in 10 selected villages. Data were collected from
100 households using a structured survey, transect walks, environmental observations, simple larval assessment and keyinformant
interactions with local health personnel. The analysis used frequencies and percentages to describe household
risk factors, intervention coverage, breeding habitats, seasonal variation and KAP indicators.
Results: Household-level environmental risk was prominent: poor drainage was recorded around 78% of households,
uncovered water storage around 69% and stagnant water around 64%. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage was 46%,
while complete spraying acceptance was 32%. Mosquito-net ownership was 66%, but regular use was only 37%,
suggesting a large ownership-use gap. Larval source management was weak; only 22% of households reported removing
stagnant water and 16% participated in cleanliness drives. Eighty-seven potential breeding sites were recorded, dominated
by stagnant ponds/ditches, forest pools, domestic containers and paddy fields. Simple larval observations identified
Anopheles spp. (41.9%), Aedes spp. (33.8%) and Culex spp. (24.3%). KAP indicators were low, particularly for dengue
transmission, breeding-site awareness and community source reduction.
Conclusion: Devbhog Block requires locally adapted integrated vector management that combines improved IRS planning,
consistent mosquito-net use, household-level source reduction, seasonal surveillance, Panchayat-supported sanitation and
ASHA/Mitanin-led communication. The findings highlight that vector-control effectiveness in forest-rural settings depends
as much on community behaviour and environmental management as on the availability of formal control measures.