Abstract
Dengue and chikungunya are viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes species. Infections with these flu-like diseases occur in tropical and subtropical areas. Dengue can develop into a severe life-threatening condition, and chikungunya can cause a long-term disease characterised mainly by joint pains. Jelte Elsinga investigated clinical consequences of these diseases, and how communities behave regarding these diseases in Venezuela and Curaçao. In his dissertation, most research questions were approached using mixed-methods and interdisciplinary research.
The dissertation describes the intended behaviour of people in Venezuela when they were confronted with fever and a dengue infection. It was found that people would go earlier to a doctor if they recognized dengue earlier. Prompt medical care can prevent severe dengue disease, but finding appropriate medical care is a challenge in Venezuela. Participants struggled to find satisfying medical care due to logistic, economic, and quality of care barriers.
Furthermore, investigation to mosquito breeding sites at people’s houses and communities’ preventive practices against mosquitoes in Venezuela and Curaçao was performed. Several strategies to engage communities in mosquito breeding site control are suggested.
Finally, consequences of the long-term disease that chikungunya caused in Curaçao were examined. It was found that chikungunya can result in severe and long-term impact on quality of life, influenced by coping strategies and disease manifestations. Using clinical parameters a classification tool was developed, to aid doctors with identifying seriousness of long-term chikungunya cases. Also, a possible link between proceeding dengue infection and more severe long-term chikungunya disease was suggested.
The dissertation describes the intended behaviour of people in Venezuela when they were confronted with fever and a dengue infection. It was found that people would go earlier to a doctor if they recognized dengue earlier. Prompt medical care can prevent severe dengue disease, but finding appropriate medical care is a challenge in Venezuela. Participants struggled to find satisfying medical care due to logistic, economic, and quality of care barriers.
Furthermore, investigation to mosquito breeding sites at people’s houses and communities’ preventive practices against mosquitoes in Venezuela and Curaçao was performed. Several strategies to engage communities in mosquito breeding site control are suggested.
Finally, consequences of the long-term disease that chikungunya caused in Curaçao were examined. It was found that chikungunya can result in severe and long-term impact on quality of life, influenced by coping strategies and disease manifestations. Using clinical parameters a classification tool was developed, to aid doctors with identifying seriousness of long-term chikungunya cases. Also, a possible link between proceeding dengue infection and more severe long-term chikungunya disease was suggested.
| Translated title of the contribution | Naar een duurzaam beleid voor arbovirale ziektes: Een multidisciplinaire benadering en gemengde onderzoeksmethoden in Curaçao en Venezuela |
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| Original language | English |
| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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| Award date | 2-May-2018 |
| Place of Publication | [Groningen] |
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| Print ISBNs | 978-94-034-0627-5 |
| Electronic ISBNs | 978-94-034-0626-5 |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 |