Practical steps of intervention design in dengue fever prevention: Interventional mapping approach

Background and aims: Dengue fever is a viral disease that is also called bone-breaking fever, this disease is transmitted to humans by the mosquito. The aim of this research is a framework for dengue prevention: designing educational and behavioral interventions using intervention mapping. Methods: In this research, the practical steps of the dengue fever prevention intervention were carried out with the intervention mapping approach in six steps. In the first step, needs assessment was done through literature review, semi-structured in-depth interview and checklist. In the second step, the matrix of change objectives was designed. After selecting intervention methods based on theory and practical applications, and producing program components and materials, the intervention was implemented and evaluated. Results: The results of first stage of the model showed 54% did not know the time of Aedes aegypti mosquito bite and 57% of the participants stated that they would choose to install nets among the options for preventing Aedes aegypti mosquito bites in the second stage, a matrix of behavior change goals was designed. In the third step, intervention strategies were identified, and in the fourth step, program components were identified. In the fifth and sixth steps, the implementation and evaluation of the dengue fever prevention program was designed at the individual, family and social levels. Conclusion: The intervention mapping approach ensures the transparency of all intervention components and it provides a useful approach for developing behavior change interventions.