Cockroach Infestation and Their Perceived Importance in Hospitals, Restaurants, and Offices in Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22452/mjs.vol45no3.2Keywords:
Periplaneta americana, Blattella germanica, hospitals, restaurants, offices, integrated controlAbstract
Cockroaches are significant disease vectors that can transmit pathogenic microorganisms, posing major health risks, especially in hygienic environments. The objectives of this study are to identify cockroach species, analyse their distribution and infestation rates, and examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in cockroach control. Cockroach samples were collected using sticky traps in strategic locations such as, toilet, pantries, drainage, and garbage. The traps were inspected bi-weekly for three months. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of staff in different divisions regarding cockroach infestation were also assessed. The results showed that P. americana was most prevalent in garbage and drainage, while B. germanica was common in pantries. In hospitals, P. americana was found with an average of 76.67 individuals with 60.01% relative abundance. However, B. germanica was found with an average of 67 individuals and 39.99% relative abundance. Staff generally had adequate knowledge of cockroaches, but lacked effectiveness in control practices. In hospitals, the environmental health, nursing, and nutrition divisions had the best KAP results, with 87% sufficient knowledge, 66% positive attitudes, and 46% practicing hygiene regularly. In restaurants, quite similarly the cleaning division showed 83% with sufficient knowledge and 53% with positive attitudes, but none practiced hygiene frequently. In offices, division leaders, refractionists, supervisors, and doctors showed 77% moderate knowledge, 71% positive attitudes, and only 20% practiced hygiene regularly. Maintaining cleanliness in critical areas such as toilets, pantries, plumbing systems, and garbage disposals is crucial to reduce infestations and improve institutional health and reputation. Overall, an integrated approach combining toxic and non-toxic methods, along with enhanced staff awareness and training, is necessary for effective cockroach control.
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