Rafael Rodríguez Cortés, Weerapong Thanjangreed, Taisia Chertenko

Relationship Between Environmental Sanitation and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Incidents

Introduction

Relationship between environmental sanitation and dengue hemorrhagic fever incidents. This study analyzes the relationship between environmental sanitation (house, water reservoir, waste disposal) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever incidence, identifying significant determinants for effective vector control interventions.

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between environmental sanitation and the incidence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in the Unidad de Salud Work Area. Methodology: The study employed an analytical design using a survey method with a retrospective case-control approach. A total of 50 respondents were purposively sampled, comprising 25 Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever patients and 25 neighbors within ±10 meters who had no history of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Data collection utilized a validated questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.803) focusing on environmental sanitation and vector control practices. Data analysis included univariate analysis for descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test at a 95% confidence level to determine significant associations between risk factors and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever incidence. Main Findings: The results of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between the independent variables, namely there was a relationship between house conditions and the incidence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (p-value = 0.023), there was a relationship between water reservoir conditions and the incidence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (p-value = 0.010), and there was a relationship between the waste disposal system and the incidence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (p-value = 0.005) in the Unidad de Salud Work Area. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study offers a comprehensive approach to identify significant environmental determinants in influencing dengue incidence, which can form the basis for developing community-based interventions to improve the effectiveness of vector control.

Review

The study titled "Relationship Between Environmental Sanitation and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Incidents" addresses a critically important public health issue, investigating the well-established link between environmental factors and DHF incidence within a specific work area. The abstract clearly outlines a pertinent research question, aiming to analyze the relationship between environmental sanitation and DHF. The methodology, employing an analytical design with a retrospective case-control approach, appears suitable for exploring such associations. The primary findings, indicating significant relationships between house conditions, water reservoir conditions, waste disposal systems, and DHF incidence, are concisely presented and underscore the importance of these modifiable environmental determinants. The methodological rigor is commendable, particularly the use of a validated questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.803) for data collection, which enhances the reliability of the measurements of environmental sanitation and vector control practices. The choice of a case-control design, comparing DHF patients with closely matched neighbors without the disease, is appropriate for identifying potential risk factors. While the sample size of 50 respondents (25 cases and 25 controls) is modest, it likely provided sufficient power to detect the strong associations reported, as evidenced by the highly significant p-values for house conditions (p=0.023), water reservoir conditions (p=0.010), and waste disposal systems (p=0.005). Further contextualization regarding the representativeness of this sample within the Unidad de Salud Work Area could strengthen the external validity, but the internal validity for these specific findings seems robust. The study effectively reinforces the known importance of environmental sanitation in DHF prevention and provides concrete, localized data to support targeted public health interventions. While the overarching concept of environmental determinants influencing dengue is not entirely novel, the originality lies in offering a comprehensive and empirically supported identification of these *specific* significant factors within the Unidad de Salud Work Area. This local specificity is crucial, as it provides a solid evidence base for developing tailored, community-based interventions focused on improving house conditions, managing water reservoirs, and enhancing waste disposal systems. Future research could build upon these findings by exploring the precise mechanisms through which these factors contribute to vector breeding and transmission, or by evaluating the effectiveness of interventions designed to address these identified environmental risks.

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