Personal protective measures against mosquito borne diseases: A study on personal anti mosquito measures in Delhi

Mosquito borne diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Personal protective measures (PPM) been advocated as an effective tool in protection from mosquito bite. There is paucity of information about the extent of use, cost, side effects and perception of people about personal protective measures against mosquitoes. A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Delhi using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, usage, reasons for usage/non-usage including side effects and average monthly family expenditure on personal protective measures used. Statistical significance was determined using chi square or fisher’s exact test. Most common personal protective measure known to participants was coils followed by liquid vaporizers. A little less than two thirds of participants were using anyone PPM. Liquid vaporizers were most commonly used method. Most common perceived side effect was headache followed by cough, sore throat, allergy and eye irritation. It is concluded that further research is needed to develop safe, effective, convenient to use and cheap personal protective measures.