Community perception of mosquitos and mosquito control in some areas of urban Delhi and rural Alwar, Rajasthan.

There is little information regarding community perception of mosquitos and and their control in India. A qualitative study based on In depth discussions with the people in Urban Delhi, and rural Alwar was carried out in August-September, 1995. In the Ghazipur and Munirka areas of Delhi, 63 respondent groups with 171 head counts, and 59 respondent groups and 305 persons in Alwar were met. Community responses to uniform set of questions on mosquito types, seasonality, biting, breeding places, ongoing control activities, and methods of personal protection were recorded. Most people in the areas surveyed viewed mosquitos primarily as a biting nuisance, and secondarily as agents of disease and debilitators of health. In general the knowledge regarding mosquitos was deficient. An overwhelming tendency to attribute mosquitogenic conditions to the unsavoury features of one's physical environment was observed in both areas. The methods of personal protection and attitudes to organised control are discussed.