An Evaluation of the Village Health Volunteers-based Aedes Larval Indices Surveillance System in Thailand, 2022: A Mixed-methods Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59096/osir.v19i1.274701Keywords:
village health volunteers, vector-borne diseases, public health surveillance, mosquito control, larval indicesAbstract
Objectives: To describe the usefulness, processes, and qualitative and quantitative attributes of the Village Health Volunteer-based Larval Indices Surveillance System (VHV-LISS) in Thailand.
Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach to assess three reporting platforms under the VHV-LISS from 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2022. Qualitative analysis encompassed interviews of 57 stakeholders in Chaiyaphum and Mae Hong Son Province, summarized by thematic analysis. Quantitative analysis involved assessing completeness of larval indices data, and comparing the VHV-LISS with another surveillance platform, specifically the “TanRabad” survey.
Results: We found the VHV-LISS to be a long-standing, integrated vector surveillance and control activity conducted by village health volunteers. Although the system is useful for controlling local vectors, community engagement, resource allocation, and stakeholder acceptance varied. Technological constraints, such as volunteer capacity and difficulties in using applications, and inconsistent reporting methods were observed. VHV-LISS platforms provided 85.4% completeness in larval indices data and covered more households than the TanRabad survey. However, the surveillance platform was limited in data accessibility and exchanging mechanisms, and reporting redundancies were evident. Correlation coefficients of larval indices between surveillance platforms ranged from 0.00 to 0.13, which led to low confidence in using the data.
Public Health Recommendations: Standard guidelines and unified larval indices data structures alongside local training and support for village health volunteers are needed to overcome these VHV-LISS limitations.
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