Factors associated with dengue-related healthcare-seeking behaviour, self-care practices and seropositivity of the community in hot spots and non-hot spots of Delhi: protocol of a mixed-methods study
- 1ICMR National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- 2Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Background: Dengue is a serious public health concern in Delhi, with several outbreaks reported since 1996. Past studies have shown that many patients delay care for dengue, which has led to higher hospital admission rates and other complications. It is essential to deeply understand the community perspective on the risks associated with dengue and the preventive self-care practices adopted by them, along with its seroprevalence in hot spot and non-hot spot areas. The study aims to identify factors associated with dengue-related healthcare-seeking behaviour, self-care practices and seroprevalence, and to compare these outcomes between communities residing in dengue hot spots and non-hot spots of Delhi.
Methods and analysis: This mixed-methods study will be conducted across four zones of Delhi comprising dengue hot spots and non-hot spots. Data collection for the study commenced on 6 August 2025 and is expected to continue till 31 August 2026. The study will collect quantitative data from 1280 households using a structured questionnaire to assess sociodemographic characteristics, dengue-related healthcare-seeking behaviour and self-care practices. Dengue seroprevalence will be assessed using rapid diagnostic tests to detect dengue NS1 antigen, IgG and IgM antibodies in the participants’ blood samples. Qualitative data will be collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with purposively selected community members and stakeholders. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Logistic regression analysis will be used to identify factors associated with healthcare-seeking behaviour and self-care practices. Crude and adjusted ORs, along with their respective 95% CIs, will be reported. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically and integrated with the quantitative component.
Ethics and dissemination: The study was initiated after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the ICMR National Institute of Malaria Research, Delhi (IEC reference number - NIMR/IEC-M/2023/970/v5-Sept/8). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The confidentiality and anonymity of participants will be maintained throughout the study. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and will be shared with the community leaders and other stakeholders through appropriate channels.
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BibTeX
@article{singh2026factors,
title = {{Factors associated with dengue-related healthcare-seeking behaviour, self-care practices and seropositivity of the community in hot spots and non-hot spots of Delhi: protocol of a mixed-methods study}},
author = {Piyoosh Kumar Singh and Harsh Pratap and Lokender Kumar and Peeyush Mittal and Nitika Nitika and Abhinav Sinha and Sanjeev Kumar Gupta and Himmat Singh and Richa Singhal},
journal = {BMJ Open},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123948},
url = {https://bmjopen.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123948},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Factors associated with dengue-related healthcare-seeking behaviour, self-care practices and seropositivity of the community in hot spots and non-hot spots of Delhi: protocol of a mixed-methods study
AU - Piyoosh Kumar Singh
AU - Harsh Pratap
AU - Lokender Kumar
AU - Peeyush Mittal
AU - Nitika Nitika
AU - Abhinav Sinha
AU - Sanjeev Kumar Gupta
AU - Himmat Singh
AU - Richa Singhal
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/29
JO - BMJ Open
DO - 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123948
UR - https://bmjopen.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123948
AB - Background: Dengue is a serious public health concern in Delhi, with several outbreaks reported since 1996. Past studies have shown that many patients delay care for dengue, which has led to higher hospital admission rates and other complications. It is essential to deeply understand the community perspective on the risks associated with dengue and the preventive self-care practices adopted by them, along with its seroprevalence in hot spot and non-hot spot areas. The study aims to identify factors associated with dengue-related healthcare-seeking behaviour, self-care practices and seroprevalence, and to compare these outcomes between communities residing in dengue hot spots and non-hot spots of Delhi. Methods and analysis: This mixed-methods study will be conducted across four zones of Delhi comprising dengue hot spots and non-hot spots. Data collection for the study commenced on 6 August 2025 and is expected to continue till 31 August 2026. The study will collect quantitative data from 1280 households using a structured questionnaire to assess sociodemographic characteristics, dengue-related healthcare-seeking behaviour and self-care practices. Dengue seroprevalence will be assessed using rapid diagnostic tests to detect dengue NS1 antigen, IgG and IgM antibodies in the participants’ blood samples. Qualitative data will be collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with purposively selected community members and stakeholders. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Logistic regression analysis will be used to identify factors associated with healthcare-seeking behaviour and self-care practices. Crude and adjusted ORs, along with their respective 95% CIs, will be reported. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically and integrated with the quantitative component. Ethics and dissemination: The study was initiated after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the ICMR National Institute of Malaria Research, Delhi (IEC reference number - NIMR/IEC-M/2023/970/v5-Sept/8). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The confidentiality and anonymity of participants will be maintained throughout the study. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and will be shared with the community leaders and other stakeholders through appropriate channels.
SN - 2044-6055
SN - 2044-6055
ER -