DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPLEX INTERVENTION PACKAGE FOR DENGUE PREVENTION

ABSTRACT Introduction Complex interventions are widely used in public health practices. Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) is an effective method in planning for dengue control. The aim was to develop an intervention package to change behaviour to prevent dengue in a dengue endemic area of Sri Lanka. Methods Development of the intervention package was formulated according to two-phases including ‘Theoretical phase’ and ‘Modelling phase’ using a framework. World Health Organization 10 key steps in planning COMBI were followed in order to develop the present intervention package. A Situational-Market-Analysis-for-Communication-Keys (SMACK) was conducted in highest dengue endemic area in Kurunegala district to identify the Specific Behavioural Objectives (SBOO), which was conducted using mixed methodological approach followed by other steps of COMBI planning. Results The overall goal was to decrease morbidity and mortality due to dengue illness. The SBOO for the plan were to improve the proper waste management practices according to the ‘3R concept’ (Reduce-Reuse-Re-cycling) and to improve the dengue prevention practices by 30 minutes of weekly cleaning. The strategies were to conduct a community empowerment program to improve waste management and weekly practices on dengue prevention by conducting administrative mobilization and public-relationship, public-advocacy, community mobilization, personal selling, advertising, and point of service promotion. The plan was finalized after taking expert opinion with the participation of stakeholders by the management team. Conclusion Developing a COMBI plan for an area after the identification of SBOO would be feasible to implement in order to empower the community to prevent dengue and improve community health services.