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Background: An extensive literature documents substantial variations in life expectancy (LE) between countries and at various levels of subnational geography. These variations in LE are significantly correlated with socioeconomic covariates, though no analyses have been produced at the finest feasible census tract (CT) level of geographic disaggregation in Canada or designed to compare Canada with the United States. Data and methods: Abridged life tables for each CT where robust estimates were feasible were estimated comparably with U.S. data. Cross-tabulations and graphical visualizations are used to explore patterns of LE across Canada, for Canada's 15 largest cities, and for the 6 largest U.S. cities. Results: LE varies by as much as two decades across CTs in both countries' largest cities. There are notable differences in the strength of associations with socioeconomic status (SES) factors across Canada's largest cities, though these associations with income-poverty rates are noticeably weaker for Canada's largest cities than for the United States' largest cities. Interpretation: Small area geographic variations in LE signal major health inequalities. The association of CT-level LE with SES factors supports and extends similar findings across many studies. The variability in these associations within Canada and compared with those in the United States reinforces the importance for population health of better understanding differences in social structures and public policies not only at the national and provincial or state levels, but also within municipalities to better inform interventions to ameliorate health inequalities.

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Exercise is a well-established component in the management of chronic illness both as a primary prevention and secondary intervention. The assumption that in otherwise healthy individuals, higher socioeconomic status (SES) is positively associated with physical activity (PA) has been debated. We report the influence of SES on adherence to home-based exercise program in people with epilepsy (PWE) from a developing country. Participants' response to self-reported Social Needs Screening Tool of the American Academy of Family Physicians was collected. The current study is a secondary follow-up and post-hoc analysis of data from patients we have previous published. The average age of the study population was 26.93 ± 10.20 years with 57.8 % men. Among the 116 study participants, 31 (26.72 %) were adherent to the exercise program. Unemployment (14.1 % vs. 0.0 %; p = 0.034) was higher, fewer people had least high school education (76.6 % vs 93.5 %; p = 0.050) in PWE who did not adhere to exercise program. A significantly higher number of PWE who were not adherent to exercise reported that their family members or anyone else never physically hurt them (97.6 % vs 80.6 %; p = 0.05), never threaten (94.1 % vs 74.2 %; p = 0.007) and/or never scream at them (90.6 % vs 74.2 %; p = 0.011). In PWE education and employment are associated with adherence to home-based exercise programs. The role of family support and personal safety in adherence to exercise should be evaluated in detail.

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Background Women's empowerment is critical for achieving gender equality and societal progress. Despite various efforts, significant disparities in women's empowerment persist across different states in India. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of women's empowerment using data from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5). Methods Data from the NFHS-5, collected between June 2019 and April 2021, were used. The Women's Empowerment Index (WEI) was calculated for each of the 28 states based on four dimensions: economic empowerment, decision-making, health and nutrition, and gender roles. Statistical analysis, including Pearson and Spearman correlations, was conducted to assess associations between WEI and various socioeconomic variables. Results The WEI ranged from 17.4 to 27.4, with a mean of 21.3 ± 2.6. Goa, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh had the highest WEI scores, while West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana had the lowest. Economic empowerment was highest in Karnataka, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Decision-making scores were highest in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Goa. Health and nutrition scores were highest in Goa, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand. Positive gender roles were most prominent in Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Goa. Significant correlations were found between WEI and per capita net state domestic product, literacy rates, median age at marriage, and total fertility rate. Conclusion The study highlights substantial variations in women's empowerment across Indian states, influenced by socioeconomic, health, and educational factors. Targeted interventions are needed to address specific barriers and promote gender equality. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and explore additional factors influencing women's empowerment.

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Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of hospitalizations and readmissions, placing a significant burden on the healthcare system. Identifying factors associated with readmission risk is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on 30-day and 90-day readmission rates in patients primarily admitted for CHF. Methods The study was carried out using a cross-sectional study design, and the data were obtained from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2016 to 2020. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of CHF were included. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day all-cause readmission rates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with readmissions, including race, ethnicity, insurance status, income level, and living arrangements. Results A total of 219,904 patients with a primary diagnosis of CHF were used in the study. The overall 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were 17.3% and 23.1%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with higher 30-day readmission risk included Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.35), African American race (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.28), Medicare insurance (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.38), and urban residence (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21). Higher income was associated with lower readmission risk (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79-0.96 for highest vs. lowest quartile). Similar patterns were observed for 90-day readmissions. Conclusion Socioeconomic and demographic factors, including race, ethnicity, insurance status, income level, and living arrangements, significantly impact 30-day and 90-day readmission rates in patients with CHF. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies that address social determinants of health and promote health equity in the management of CHF. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating culturally sensitive, community-based strategies to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes for high-risk CHF patients.

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The intricate relationship between teenagers' literacy and technology underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding, particularly in the Spanish context. This study employs explainable artificial intelligence (AI) to delve into this complex interplay, focusing on the pivotal role of reading comprehension skills in the personal and career development of Spanish teenagers. With a sample of 22,400 15-year-olds from the PISA dataset, we investigate the impact of socioeconomic factors, technology habits, parental education, residential location, and school type on reading comprehension skills. Utilizing machine learning techniques, our analysis reveals a nuanced connection between autonomy, technological proficiency, and academic performance. Notably, family oversight of technology use emerges as a crucial factor in managing the impact of digital technology and the Internet on reading comprehension skills. The study emphasizes the necessity for a balanced and supervised introduction to technology from an early age. Contrary to current trends, our findings indicate that online gaming may not contribute positively to reading comprehension skills, while moderate daily Internet use (1-4 h) proves beneficial. Furthermore, the study underscores the ongoing nature of acquiring reading comprehension and technological skills, emphasizing the need for continuous attention and guidance from childhood. Parental education levels are identified as partial predictors of children's performance, emphasizing the importance of a holistic educational approach that considers autonomy and technological literacy. This study advocates for addressing socio-economic and gender inequalities in education and highlights the crucial role of cooperation between schools and families, particularly those with lower educational levels.

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AIM: This study aimed to determine adherence with follow-up from the New Zealand pre-school vision screening programme. The study also examined associations between pre-school vision screening outcomes and cognitive measures assessed at the 54-month follow-up in the Growing Up in New Zealand study cohort. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective record review of pre-school vision screening outcomes and hospital ophthalmology records with linkage to Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study data. RESULTS: Of 176 children referred from vision screening, 21.6% did not attend a referral appointment. Of 138 children who attended a referral appointment, 21.0% did not attend one or more follow-up appointments. Ethnic differences were observed in attendance at referral appointments (attended Maori 13%, Pacific 22.5%, European/Other 64.5%; not attended Maori 26.3%, Pacific 28.9%, European/Other 44.7%; P = 0.04) and follow-up appointments (attended Maori 11.9%, Pacific 15.6%, European/Other 72.5%; not attended Maori 17.2%, Pacific 48.3%, European/Other 34.5%; P = 0.001). Vision screening outcome was significantly associated with letter naming fluency scores (P = 0.01) but not name and numbers scores (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Non-attendance at referral and follow-up appointments limits the efficacy of vision screening, particularly for children of Maori and Pacific ethnicity. Children referred from vision screening achieve lower scores on letter naming fluency, a key predictor of reading ability in later childhood. Equity-based improvements are required to ensure that all children referred from vision screening receive appropriate follow-up eye care.

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AIMS: This systematic review explores the established causal link between food insecurity and cardiometabolic conditions among adults of African descent. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between food insecurity and the management of type 2 diabetes, highlighting the prevalence of food insecurity among individuals of African descent with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Original English papers were meticulously searched in databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for quantitative studies and COReQ for qualitative studies were employed to assess biases. Three independent reviewers meticulously evaluated and synthesized results, reaching a consensus. RESULTS: Among the 198 studies identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria for data extraction and analysis, which were conducted independently by three reviewers. The findings indicate that individuals of African descent are more likely to experience food insecurity compared to their White counterparts and are also more prone to diabetes risk factors or the presence of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores a higher prevalence of food insecurity and type 2 diabetes among adults of African descent, suggesting that ethnicity and food insecurity play significant roles in diabetes management. Future research should prioritize interventions aimed at reducing these disparities.

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African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that infects wild and domesticated swine. In early 2022, the virus was found in wild boar in the Apennine mountains of mainland Italy.2 Since then, it has spread from wild boar to domesticated swine. To control the spread of ASF, an effective surveillance system and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures on farms are required yet are unevenly implemented across husbandry systems. Smallholder farms in particular are known to have low levels of biosecurity. In the Apennine mountains of Italy, small commercial farms have been found to have low levels of biosecurity despite being located in areas with high densities of wild boar, and, hence, being high-risk sites for potential ASF incursion and subsequent diffusion. To address the question as to why the level of biosecurity is low, interviews and participant observation were conducted with smallholder commercial farmers. The interviews identified the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures in small commercial swine farms in the Apennines. Farmers expressed knowledge of priority biosecurity measures and an overall willingness to follow rules and regulations; however, the application of the measures in practice was uneven across farms. Economic, political, and ecological factors as well as farmer beliefs about biosecurity emerged as important factors affecting the implementation of biosecurity measures. These include economic constraints, challenges posed by the mountain environment, a shifting regulatory environment, and ideas about animal welfare. Other important factors include cultural factors such as the use of traditional agricultural methods and norms about customer access to animals, time constraints and the perceived hassle of implementing the measures, farmer age, farmer relationships with government officials and veterinarians, and the role of pigs in reducing farm waste. The study confirmed that wild boar are present in high numbers and in close proximity to smallholder commercial farms in the Apennines.

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Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. There are observed disparities in patients with disability as compared to those without disability, which leads to poor BC screening attendance, thereby worsening disease management. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate if there are disparities in screening rates in women with disability as compared to those without disability, as well as the different factors that pose barriers to patients with disability for enrolment in BC screening programs. Method: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed published articles between 2008 and 2023, which assessed different factors that contributed to poor attendance in BC screening programs held across different countries. Detailed study characteristics were obtained, and methodological quality assessment was performed on the individual studies included in this review. Result: A total of fifty-three articles were identified as eligible studies based on the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included 7,252,913 patients diagnosed with BC (913,902 patients with disability/6,339,011 patients without disability). The results revealed there are demographic, clinical, financial, and service-related barriers that contributed to lower screening rates in disabled patients as compared to non-disabled. Patient age is the most common factor, with the highest effect observed for 80 years (vs. 30-44 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 13.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.27-23.47), p < 0.0001], followed by race/ethnicity for Hispanic (vs. non-Hispanic white) [OR = 9.5 (95%CI = 1.0-91.9), p < 0.05]. Additionally, patients with multiple disabilities had the highest rate of dropouts [OR = 27.4 (95%CI = 21.5-33.3)]. Other factors like education, income, marital status, and insurance coverage were essential barriers in screening programs. Conclusions: This study presents a holistic view of all barriers to poor BC screening attendance in disabled patients, thereby exacerbating health inequalities. A standardized approach to overcome the identified barriers and the need for a tailored guideline, especially for disability groups, is inevitable.

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Indian agriculture transitioned from a food deficit sector to a food surplus following the Green Revolution. However, the continued progress of Indian agriculture has been hampered by climate change. This research explores the district-wise vulnerability in Madhya Pradesh, India, to climate change by assessing the composite vulnerability index using the agricultural vulnerability index (AVI) and socio-economic vulnerability index (SEVI). The study seeks to understand how agricultural and socio-economic factors lead to variations in vulnerability across districts and influence targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. The trend analysis results present declining rainfall and inclining temperature from 1951 to 2021 in Madhya Pradesh, directly affecting the agricultural sector and human livelihood. The composite vulnerability index (CVI) results revealed that districts with low values (< 0.394), such as Burhanpur and Balaghat, demonstrate reduced susceptibility due to limited cultivation, low reliance on rainfall, lower drought susceptibility, and decreased population density. Districts such as Panna and Bhopal show moderate vulnerability (0.394-0.423), with lower fallow land, reduced rainfed agriculture, and socio-economic vulnerability. Extensive agriculture and marginalised workers' presence influence high vulnerability (0.423 to 0.456) in districts such as Tikamgarh and Indore. Districts like Barwani and Jhabua have the highest CVI values (> 0.456), indicating substantial susceptibility to climate impacts. The cluster analysis validates the results of the vulnerability index. The findings highlight the urgent need for tailored adaptation strategies to address the diverse agricultural and socio-economic indicators creating vulnerability in Madhya Pradesh. The study helps understand regional vulnerability patterns and provides evidence-based policy approaches for resilience to climate change effects.

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This study investigates the relationship between dietary habits and metabolic health among women, emphasizing the role of anthropometric parameters as proxies for insulin resistance. We analyzed data from 443 women categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of clinically diagnosed insulin resistance. Our assessments included dietary quality, socio-demographic characteristics, and a series of anthropometric measurements such as body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI). The results indicated significant disparities in these parameters, with the insulin-resistant group exhibiting higher average body weight (78.92 kg vs. 65.04 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (28.45 kg/m2 vs. 23.17 kg/m2, p < 0.001), and other related measures, suggesting a strong influence of dietary patterns on body composition and metabolic risk. The study underscores the importance of dietary management in addressing insulin resistance, advocating for personalized dietary strategies to improve metabolic health outcomes in women. This approach highlights the need for integrating dietary changes with lifestyle modifications and socio-demographic considerations to combat metabolic risks effectively.

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This study examined the association of socio-economic factors and the structure of primary care centres (PCCs) with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage among the 8-year-old population in Catalonia, Spain. We conducted an ecological study to retrospectively assess the MMR vaccination-recorded status of children born in 2012, using public health data extracted in December 2020. For each of 300 PCCs serving 70,498 children, we calculated vaccination coverage rates from electronic health records and linked these rates to a composite deprivation index corresponding to the territory served by each PCC. We identified a relationship between unfavourable socio-economic factors and higher recorded vaccination coverage. On average, directly managed PCCs had higher vaccination coverage rates than indirectly managed PCCs. Greater utilisation of primary care services by the population was also associated with higher vaccination coverage rates. Further research is needed to generate knowledge valuable for informing more equitable child-vaccination service delivery models.

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OBJECTIVE: Estimate the impact of 20 % flat-rate and tiered sugary drink tax structures on the consumption of sugary drinks, sugar-sweetened beverages and 100 % juice by age, sex and socio-economic position. DESIGN: We modelled the impact of price changes - for each tax structure - on the demand for sugary drinks by applying own- and cross-price elasticities to self-report sugary drink consumption measured using single-day 24-h dietary recalls from the cross-sectional, nationally representative 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition. For both 20 % flat-rate and tiered sugary drink tax scenarios, we used linear regression to estimate differences in mean energy intake and proportion of energy intake from sugary drinks by age, sex, education, food security and income. SETTING: Canada. PARTICIPANTS: 19 742 respondents aged 2 and over. RESULTS: In the 20 % flat-rate scenario, we estimated mean energy intake and proportion of daily energy intake from sugary drinks on a given day would be reduced by 29 kcal/d (95 % UI: 18, 41) and 1·3 % (95 % UI: 0·8, 1·8), respectively. Similarly, in the tiered tax scenario, additional small, but meaningful reductions were estimated in mean energy intake (40 kcal/d, 95 % UI: 24, 55) and proportion of daily energy intake (1·8 %, 95 % UI: 1·1, 2·5). Both tax structures reduced, but did not eliminate, inequities in mean energy intake from sugary drinks despite larger consumption reductions in children/adolescents, males and individuals with lower education, food security and income. CONCLUSIONS: Sugary drink taxation, including the additional benefit of taxing 100 % juice, could reduce overall and inequities in mean energy intake from sugary drinks in Canada.

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The health status (HS) of children is influenced by a variety of factors, including physical fitness (PF) or social and environmental characteristics. We present a 4-year longitudinal study carried out with 263 primary school children. PF was assessed yearly using the German Motor Performance Test 6-18. Demographic data, leisure time behavior and socioeconomic factors were collected using questionnaires for children and parents. Based on parents' ratings in year 4, children were categorized as either "very good health status" (VGHS) or "good health status or below" (GHSB). Children with VGHS (73%) showed a larger improvement of global PF (p < 0.001), a significantly higher proportion of being/playing outside (p < 0.001), significantly lower proportions of overweight (p < 0.001), of media availability in the bedroom (p = 0.011) and of daily media consumption > 2 h (p = 0.033) compared to children with GHSB. Regarding socio-economic factors, children with VGHS revealed significantly fewer parents with lower education (p = 0.002), lower physical activity levels (p = 0.030) and lower migration background (p < 0.001). Physical fitness (p = 0.019) and outdoors exercising (p = 0.050) were the only variables to provide significantly higher chances of perceiving one's own health as very good when tested within a complex model including all the variables studied in this work. Considering the little focus on PF in the current Austrian physical education curriculum and the favorable environmental features of the Tyrolean region, more emphasis should be given to promoting didactical and pedagogical approaches that allow schoolers to be active in the nature.

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The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a marked increase in intimate partner violence (IPV) worldwide, Mexico being no exception. Factors that exacerbated gender-based violence (GBV) in the household during the pandemic include gendered loss of income, regression in access to social and legal justice resources, reversal to more traditional gender norms and roles, and increased alcoholism. While there are studies about the prevalence and determinants of IPV in rural and urban Mexico, there appears to be a lack of information regarding how these realities differed as they interacted with the compounding pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stemming from 10 ethnographic interviews with women across rural and urban localities of Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Mexico State, who were recruited from NGOs providing psychological and legal services against GBV, we analyze some factors associated with the prevalence of IPV during confinement. We conclude that all women in our study experienced IPV both before and during the pandemic, with variations in IPV patterns influenced by their rural or urban residence, socio-economic status, ethnic-racial identity, and proximity to the abuser's network. We also found that not all impacts were negative, rather COVID-19 measures had a paradoxical effect for some women where restrictions on geographical mobility and decrease in access to alcohol became pivotal protective factors. We recommend that public policymakers and civil society organizations alike pay attention to these differential challenges and benefits in their crisis responses.

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This comprehensive review examines anthropometric indices in the context of urban and rural India, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between lifestyle, socio-economic factors, and environmental influences on health outcomes. Analyzing indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), the study reveals distinct disparities between urban and rural populations. While rural areas face the challenges of undernutrition and stunting, urban environments grapple with the escalating prevalence of obesity and non-communicable diseases. The implications for public health underscore the need for tailored interventions, encompassing nutritional education, equitable healthcare access, and lifestyle interventions. The call-to-action advocates for collaborative efforts among policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and communities to implement evidence-based strategies, advocate for policy reforms, and continually monitor anthropometric trends. This review serves as a roadmap for fostering healthier communities in India by addressing anthropometric disparities and steering toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

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OBJECTIVES: To investigate the socio-economic and personal factors that impact parental decisions regarding orthodontic treatment for their children in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A digital self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data from 414 parents, focusing on their motivations and barriers that influence their decision-making process regarding orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: Income level was the most significant factor in orthodontic decisions. Parents with higher incomes were twice as likely to choose orthodontic treatment for esthetic reasons compared to parents with middle incomes. The main incentive for seeking treatment was getting advice from dental professionals, with 60% of participants rating it as the most important factor. 34.5% of respondents identified cost as the main barrier, with middle-income parents being 151% more inclined to perceive it as a significant barrier compared to high-income parents. Gender dynamics revealed that mothers exhibited 48.9% greater concern regarding treatment costs compared to fathers, whereas fathers placed 2.105 times more importance on the orthodontist's reputation than mothers. CONCLUSION: Income levels, along with other socio-economic factors and gender dynamics, have a significant influence on parental decisions regarding orthodontic care. Personalized consultations that address these variations are crucial for improving communication between patients and practitioners and increasing the accessibility of treatment.

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AIMS: Increasing numbers of patients with advanced heart failure and significant comorbidity and social barriers are considered for left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). We sought to examine health care utilization post-LVAD implantation, including the influence of individual-level socio-economic position and multimorbidity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a Danish nationwide cohort study linking individual-level data from clinical LVAD databases, the Scandiatransplant Database, and Danish national medical and administrative registries. Socio-economic position included cohabitation status, educational level, and employment status. Multimorbidity was defined as two or more chronic conditions from at least two chronic disease groups. Health care utilization (hospital activity, general practice activity, and redeemed medical prescriptions) within 2 years post-discharge after LVAD implantation was evaluated using descriptive statistics at 0.5 year intervals. We identified 119 patients discharged alive with first-time LVAD implanted between 2006 and 2018. The median age of the patients was 56.1 years, and 88.2% were male. Patients were followed until heart transplantation, LVAD explantation, death, 31 December 2018, or for 2 years. The median follow-up was 0.8 years. The highest median use of health care services was observed 0-0.5 years post-LVAD discharge compared with the subsequent follow-up intervals: 0.5-1, 1-1.5, and 1.5-2 years, respectively. The median (interquartile range) number of hospitalizations was 10 (7-14), bed days 14 (9-28), outpatient visits 8 (5-12), telephone contacts with a general practitioner 4 (2-8), and total redeemed medical prescriptions 26 (19-37) within 0-0.5 years post-LVAD discharge compared with the median utilization within the consecutive follow-up periods [e.g. within 0.5-1 year: hospitalizations 5 (3-8), bed days 8 (4-14), outpatient visits 5 (3-8), telephone contacts 2 (0-5), and redeemed medical prescriptions 24 (18-30)]. The median use of health care services was stable from 0.5 years onwards. The median number of hospitalizations and bed days was slightly higher in patients living alone with a low educational level or low employment status within 0-0.5 years post-LVAD implantation. Finally, the median number of in-hospital days and redeemed prescriptions was higher among patients with pre-existing multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who underwent LVAD implantation, health care utilization was high in the early post-LVAD discharge phase and was influenced by socio-economic position. Multimorbidity influenced the number of in-hospital days and redeemed prescriptions during the 2 year follow-up.

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Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases. Studies show that the poor knowledge about epidemiological aspects of leishmaniasis within communities causes the collapse of existing disease control programs. Therefore, the present study focuses on a detailed survey of the existing awareness among the threatened population in the Medawachchiya Public Health Inspector's (PHI) Area in the Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka, aiming to assist the health staff to organize community-based vector control programs effectively in the future. Assessment of the awareness of residents of two hundred and seventy households (n = 270) from 10 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) was carried out by using a structured questionnaire. Among 143 females and 134 males, only 75.1% had knowledge about the disease, 5.8% (n = 16) of the participants knew only about the vector, and 28.9% (n = 80) knew about control methods. The study showed a considerable lack of awareness about the disease among the studied population. The study found that age and education levels had significant impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and practices. However, factors like gender, marital status, occupation, income, and expenses did not show significant correlations. The present study suggests huge scope for greater achievements in community-related vector control methods by implementing a continuous educational program.