Understanding risk communication for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases: A mixed-method study in Curaçao

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2020 Apr 13;14(4):e0008136. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008136. eCollection 2020 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Risk communication (RC) is an essential tool for the prevention and control of diseases as it impacts risk perception, increases awareness and might change behaviour. It is the interactive exchange of information about risks among experts and people. Effective RC can minimize the impact that diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika have on populations. This study aimed to understand RC regarding vector-borne diseases in its social context and from the viewpoint of the audience to strengthen RC strategies in Curaçao.

Methods: In 2015, a cross-sectional mixed-method study applying focus group discussions (n = 7), in-depth interviews (n = 20) and a structured survey questionnaire (n = 339) was done in Curaçao. The study was designed based on the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. In addition, the Social Amplification of Risk Framework and the theory of cultural schemas were applied to understand RC in the social context.

Results: Television, radio and newspapers were the most important channels of information regarding dengue and chikungunya. Moreover, individuals also reported receiving information via social media, the internet and family/friends. Interestingly, the use of internet to obtain information diminished with age, while females were more likely to use internet compared to men. These key findings were statistically significant. An important outcome was that the risk perception towards chikungunya at the beginning of the outbreak was attenuated. This might be due to the (perceived) lack of RC before the epidemic. This same risk perception was amplified later during the outbreak by the increased exposure to information. Lastly, we show how cultural schemas influence people's perception regarding preventive measures and treatment of chikungunya and dengue.

Conclusions: Data obtained emphasise the importance of understanding the user of media platforms and sharing information in a timely fashion through a transparent process with the content that convinces people of the seriousness of the matter.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chikungunya Fever / epidemiology
  • Communicable Disease Control*
  • Communication*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Curacao
  • Dengue / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Research Design
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vector Borne Diseases / enzymology
  • Vector Borne Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Vector Borne Diseases / transmission*
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

Funding was provided by the Dutch Research Council (NWO, https://www.nwo.nl/onderzoek-en-resultaten/onderzoeksprojecten) to the project entitled "Public health impact of chronic chikungunya illness and performance/utilisation of the health care system in the face of arboviral (dengue, chikungunya, Zika) epidemics in Curacao" Acronym: ARBOCARIB (NWO grant ALWCA.2016.021); and by an MD/PhD Scholarship for Jelte Elsinga from the Junior Scientific Masterclass, University Medical Center Groningen. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.