Identification, ecological indices and management of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) influencing environmental education processes in Colombian high schools

Vector-borne diseases annually cause more than 700,000 deaths worldwide. In Colombia, infectious diseases are prevalent, being the Municipality of Santander de Quilichao (Cauca district) one of the most affected areas. This study aimed (a) to determine the abundance of species of mosquitoes with the potential capacity to transmit infectious diseases, in a school located in the Cauca district and (b) to teach students self-care and care for the environment to protect themselves from vector-borne diseases. During 2019 and 2020, in a dry and rainy season, manual collection of mosquitoes in four sites of the institution was conducted. Ecological statistical analyses were carried out. Mosquito species were grouped by similarity (abundance) using a dendrogram by area and a species rarefaction curve. A sociodemographic survey on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to vector-borne diseases was carried out. An educational booklet was developed, and its impact was validated through the nonparametric Wilcoxon test. In total, 108 specimens were captured from four species: Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus , and Psorophora ferox . The greater presence of mosquitos was during the rainy season, being Aedes aegypti the most abundant species. According to Likert’s analysis, 59.6% of the students had a very favorable attitude toward the subject; the educational campaign significantly improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the students. Finally, the study presents entomological data of interest in public health. That makes it possible to establish prevention and control measures for vector-borne diseases in high schools, through environmental education.