Development and validation of the MosquitoWise survey to assess perceptions towards mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in Europe

Abourashed, Ayat; Best, Pauline A. de; Doornekamp, Laura; Sikkema, Reina S.; van Gorp, Eric C. M.; Timen, Aura; Bartumeus, Frederic; Palmer, John R. B.; Koopmans, Marion P. G.

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52219-9

Development and validation of the MosquitoWise survey to assess perceptions towards mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in Europe

License

Citation

Abourashed A, de Best PA, Doornekamp L, Sikkema RS, van Gorp ECM, Timen A, Bartumeus F, Palmer JRB, Koopmans MPG. Development and validation of the MosquitoWise survey to assess perceptions towards mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in Europe. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):1777. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52219-9

Abstract

Due to climate change and the expanding geographical ranges of key mosquito species, several mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) have recently emerged in Europe. Understanding people’s perceptions and behaviours towards these viruses and the mosquitoes capable of transmitting them is crucial for implementing efective prevention measures and targeted communication campaigns. However, there is currently no appropriate validated survey for European populations to assess this. This study developed and validated a standardized survey, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), to assess perceptions of mosquitoes and MBVs among Europe’s residents. The survey was distributed online to United Kingdom (UK), Dutch and Spanish participants through panel providers. Survey validity and reliability were tested using confrmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha. The optimised survey was completed by 336 UK, 438 Dutch and 475 Spanish residents, respectively, and the HBM items passed our validity and reliability testing in all three countries. The fnal survey has 57 questions, including 19 validated HBM items, and questions to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, prevention measures and behavioural determinants. Our MosquitoWise survey bridges researchers’ understandings of European residents’ perceptions and knowledge as a frst step to improve preventive behaviour towards mosquitoes and MBVs and guide prevention and communication initiatives.