Participatory epidemiological approaches for risk assessment of bed bug (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cimicidae) infestation in public hospitals in the city of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT: This study was to determine risk assessment associated with bed bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cimicidae) using participatory epidemiological tools in the selected public hospitals of district Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Bed bugs were collected and morphologically identified through a standard taxonomic key. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of patients using a pre-designed questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended questions was conducted for six months between January 2023 and June 2023. Of the 384 participants, 113 (29.43%) had experienced itching or skin irritation presumably from the bed bug feeding activity. The study further revealed patients above age 40 (35.43%) and males (30.57%) experienced greater skin irritation responses compared to other participants. Among adminis

SUBMITTER: Ashraf A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11787733 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature