Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Preference and Acceptance of Mosquito Larvicidal Measures in George Town, Penang – A Cross Sectional Study

Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on larvicidal measures, and to assess the level of acceptance and preference of larvicidal measures among George Town residents.

Methods: 300 pre-validated questionnaires were administered to residents of three randomly selected dengue-sensitive areas via systematic random sampling proportionate to size, to assess KAP levels, preference and acceptance of mosquito larvicidal measures. Using Stata version 13.0, the KAP components were analyzed separately and categorized into good or poor KAP. Predictors of KAP were determined using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results: One hundred and fifty-five (51.7%) respondents demonstrated good knowledge and 154 (51.3%) respondents had good attitude while 188 (62.7%) respondents showed good practice. Majority (72.7%, 218/300) of the respondents preferred both chemical and biological larvicides. In general, less than 9.0% of the respondents had issues of concern regarding the use of chemical and biological larvicides in terms of safety, side-effects and environmental aspects respectively. There was a significant association between preferred choice of larvicides and age groups, race, marital status, education level, residence type and occupation. In multivariate regression analysis, female respondents had significantly (3.6 times) higher odds of having good practice compared to male respondents, while older age, Chinese race, higher education levels, being a housewife and living in medium-cost apartments were significant predictors of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding larvicidal measures in George Town, Penang.

Conclusion: Dengue prevention practices on larvicidal measures were higher compared to knowledge and attitude, and only a very small proportion of respondents preferred biological larvicide.