Public Health Professionals' Perceptions of Dengue Control in the Face of Climate Change: A National Survey among China CDC Staff

摘要

Background: As an important climate-sensitive disease, dengue fever has been a serious public health problem in China, which is particularly important in the context of climate change. Health professionals play a significant role in the control and prevention dengue. The aim of this study was to explore public health professionals' perceptions of dengue control and prevention in the context of climate change in China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among public health professionals of 15 Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in China to gauge their perceptions of dengue control and prevention in the context of climate change. Descriptive analysis and logistical regression were performed. Results: In total, 1,051 questionnaires were distributed, and 973 questionnaires were completed. More than 75% of participants indicated climate change would affect vector-borne diseases, and more than 70% believed climate change would affect dengue fever, especially those from Southwest, Central and East China. Nearly 70% of participants from Yunnan Province and half from Prefectural/County CDCs indicated dengue re-emerged and occurred in new geographic areas. Furthermore, 41.4% of participants indicated current prevention methods and control programs were effective in reducing dengue incidence, and 35.4% thought the public was well informed about how to reduce the risk of dengue. Additionally, participants thought mosquitoes in high-density, imported cases, climate change and internal migrant population were main risk factors for dengue in China. Conclusion: This study found the majority of public health professionals endorsed that climate change would affect vector-borne diseases and dengue fever in China. Participants had perceived dengue emergence/re-emergence and expansion in geographic areas in certain regions. Most participants urgently advocated better dengue prevention methods and control programs, and health education for the public is needed.