Household Characteristics, Residents’ Behaviors, and Seasonal Factors Associated With the Presence and Persistence of Aedes aegypti in a Dengue-Endemic Area

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between household characteristics, residents' preventive behaviors, seasonal factors, and the presence and persistence of Aedes aegypti in a dengue-endemic area. The findings are intended to identify modifiable household and behavioral factors that can inform targeted, seasonally adapted vector control strategies. Methodology: This prospective cohort study was conducted in San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca, Mexico. A total of 68 inhabited dwellings were selected and characterized on a single occasion according to their structure, degree of marginalization, vulnerability, and environment. Over a period of 12 months, seven entomological evaluations were performed indoors and outdoors to assess the presence, persistence, and seasonal patterns of Aedes aegypti. Results: A total of 476 visits were conducted, identifying 494 breeding sites positive for Aedes aegypti larvae or pupae. A total of 48.5% of the homes studied were positive on at least two occasions, with marked temporal variation, particularly during the rainy season (67.7%). Most breeding sites were located outdoors (96%), predominantly in controllable containers (73%). The most important habitats were drums, barrels/sinks/tubs/pools, cans/buckets, tires, and kitchen/washing utensils (72.8%). The characteristics of the dwelling that represented a risk for the presence and persistence of Aedes aegypti were the lack of mosquito nets on doors (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.08-5.20), lack of pavilions on beds (OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.16-8.35), animals in the household (OR=2.27, 95% CI=1.19-7.63), and not applying insecticide indoors (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.10-4.21). Conclusion: Household conditions, human behavior, and seasonal variation significantly influence the presence and persistence of Aedes aegypti. These findings can inform targeted vector control strategies, particularly focusing on modifiable risk factors and seasonal interventions.