Application of Google Maps for participatory control of dengue haemorrhagic fever: a case study of Ban Nongnaikhui community, Khlonghae sub-district, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province

Abstract

Based on Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) situation report, in 2019, Village Group No. 6, Ban Nongnaikhui Community, Khlonghae sub-district, had registered the highest DHF morbidity rate of 673.19 per 100,000. The research team has been interested in developing the guidelines for utilizing Google Maps for the purpose of DHF control through participatory action research (PAR) among sixteen core village health volunteers (VHVs). Demographic data, indicators for DHF control (i.e., mosquito larva indexes), knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards Google Maps, including satisfaction after Google Maps usage were collected through semi-structured interviews during October 1, 2019 to February 15, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results of the study indicated there were four phases including Phase 1: Planning: It was found that different types of containers are not mentioned in mosquito larvae survey forms; most of the VHVs had poor knowledge of Google Maps but had positive attitudes in its usage; Phase 2: Action: All VHVs had attended the workshop and were able to apply Google Maps quite well; they could read and interpret the larva indexes correctly; Phase 3: Observation: Almost all VHVs were able to use Google Maps in spotting both passive and active DHF cases; until no new cases were found; they could send the information back faster compared to the previous time that took time about 1 day (about 30 minutes early); Phase 4: Reflection: All VHVs were satisfied and had higher skills with Google Maps usage, and a decrease in DHF cases was observed. In conclusion, to achieve a successful program implementation, Google Maps seems to be a beneficial tool that is feasible in DHF control efforts through participatory approach in all
procedures.