Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention: Building Resilient Communities in the US-Mexico Border

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases are increasingly contributing to epidemic threats, particularly in regions like the US-Mexico border where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is expanding due to climate and socioeconomic changes. Recent outbreaks, such as the 2014 dengue surge in Yuma, Arizona, and Sonora, Mexico, and the first locally acquired dengue case in Maricopa County in 2022, highlight the growing risk beyond border areas. Prevention remains difficult due to limited community awareness and a lack of tailored strategies, underscoring the need for community-engaged interventions. Objectives: Aim 1 assesses understanding the level of understanding and engagement community health workers have had globally with mosquito-borne diseases. Aim 2 analyzes the mosquito borne prevention behaviors and barriers US-Mexico border residents experience. Aim 3 assesses the level of understanding and knowledge gaps of US-Mexico border residents. This dissertation aims to address the barriers and facilitators of mosquito-borne disease prevention and provide recommendations on how to support the development of resources that mobilize communities impacted by mosquito-borne diseases. Methods: First, a scoping review on global engagement of Community Health Workers’ (CHWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices in administration of mosquito-borne disease health campaigns was conducted. Second, a quantitative analysis of data collected on mosquito-borne disease prevention behaviors of Arizona-Texas residents. Lastly, a qualitative analysis of open-question responses was conducted to assess mosquito borne disease information gaps and needs of border residents. Results: Findings show that CHWs play a vital role in mosquito-borne disease control, especially in underserved communities, but face gaps in disease-specific knowledge and require ongoing training and resources. Responses to the quantitative analysis showcase that border residents have general awareness and knowledge on mosquito disease prevention tactics, but English-speaking respondents are concerned with cost and safety at higher rates as compared to Spanish-speaking respondents. While qualitative responses show that most participants could name a mosquito-borne disease there is significant gaps with accurately understanding how to prevent infection and require timely and specific information to increase levels of awareness. Conclusion: Community insights and empowerment are critical for effective, sustainable mosquito-borne disease prevention. Further qualitative research is needed to dive into the gaps identified in this dissertation. Findings from this dissertation show that there are opportunities to strengthen vector-borne disease programs and overcome barriers identified by involving local trusted community members in decision-making, creating tailored educational resources that lead to mobilization to ultimately achieve reductions in mosquito borne disease risk.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate College

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Azurdia Sierra, Lidia

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Carvajal, Scott

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Ernst, Kacey C.
• Ellingson, Katherine
• Maldonado, Adriana

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction, presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/679333

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/679333