GLOBAL WARMING AND DENGUE PREVENTION BEHAVIOR OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE WESTERN TROPICAL REGION

Abstract

     This study aimed to analyze the linkage among global warming, climate change, dengue transmission dynamics, and household dengue prevention behaviors in tropical urban areas of Thailand’s western region, with a focus on the “3 Keep” measures: keeping houses clean, keeping waste properly managed, and keeping water containers covered. This study was survey research analyzed qualitative data together with secondary data analysis. The study population consisted of households in five provinces: Kanchanaburi, Tak, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, and Ratchaburi. The samples were purposively selected from areas with different risk characteristics, including densely populated urban areas, agricultural areas, industrial areas, and tourism areas. The research instruments included a documentary and secondary data recording form, a content analysis form, and an analytical framework based on eco-epidemiology and the Health Belief Model. Data were analyzed using content analysis and interpretive analysis.

     The findings revealed that although most households were aware of climate change, they lacked a concrete understanding of the linkage between global warming and the increased risk of dengue fever within their own households, particularly perceived susceptibility. This was a key barrier to the continuous implementation of the “3 Keep” measures. In addition, these measures faced systemic obstacles exacerbated by erratic weather conditions, including the need to store water during drought periods, which prevented some households from properly covering water containers, and ineffective waste management in densely populated urban areas. The findings suggest that dengue prevention under the context of climate change should emphasize household-level risk perception, together with the development of community and local water and waste management systems.