Ethnographic study of communities in Jamaica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent

ABSTRACT

Reports on the results of an integrated vector control programme aimed at introducing or strengthening community participation in the control of all vectors of disease in three Caribbean countries. Specifically the study's objectives were to, obtain information on community beliefs relating to the use and possible classification of the word "fever"; febrile illness and their causes and treatments; dengue and its symptoms; transmission of illnesses by mosquitoes, rodents and other pest; methods employed to prevent disease transmission, especially dengue; methods employed in the home to control mosquitoes, rodents and pests. Examines how health status and environmental conditions are perceived by the informant; the links between health and actions undertaken at the household levels as a result of these perceptions; and the role Government and the Community can play in vector control as well as the perceived effectiveness of Government activities. Identifies and investigates topics that might be specific to the study area, such as the distinction between dengue and cholera and dengue and influenza. The countries selected for the ethnographic study were St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Jamaica. (AU)